The Accidental Smallholder Forum

Livestock => Poultry & Waterfowl => Topic started by: william_wt on April 22, 2016, 08:21:50 am

Title: looking for a good duck book
Post by: william_wt on April 22, 2016, 08:21:50 am

I'm interested in the possibility of getting a few ducks, primarily as pets, but also for their eggs. We have a few free range hens at the minute, but I'd like to read about what's needed to look after ducks before we get any. Can anyone recommend a good book on duck keeping to get me started? Thanks

Title: Re: looking for a good duck book
Post by: Jullienne on April 22, 2016, 11:09:37 am

Ducks need fresh clean water to dip their heads into and drink. Also good fencing and housing too to keep foxes out. Remember to move them often as they do poach rather a bit. They love a medium sward of grass, not too short or too long. As to a good book about them there is a livestock book which deals with all livestock, poultry and waterfowl, ducks included. It is called     the complete book of raising livestock and poultry, by Katie thear and Dr Alistair fraser. Definately a good read. Hope this helps and all the best :thumbsup:

Title: Re: looking for a good duck book
Post by: HomefieldHens on April 22, 2016, 05:08:20 pm

We found The Domestic Duck by Chris & Mike Ashton invaluable - we got a second hand copy from Amazon for £1.80 -  bargain! It has sections on breed characteristics,  hatching / raising ducks, and on common ailments  Good luck with your ducks - we love ours - such characters - and fabulous egg producers too!

Title: Re: looking for a good duck book
Post by: william_wt on April 22, 2016, 06:32:16 pm

Thanks for the suggestions  :thumbsup:
I'll go and have a look on amazon.

Title: Re: looking for a good duck book
Post by: Beeducked on April 24, 2016, 03:33:41 pm

I love the Storey's Guide to Raising Ducks. It is my bible and if it doesn't have the answer nothing will!