![]() Because waterfowl drink and excrete more water than land fowl, extra demand is placed on the ventilation and heating system to remove the extra moisture and maintain proper temperatures. Ventilation systems are usually the negative pressure type with adjustable, or automatically controlled air inlets and exhaust fans located along the side walls. Floor design is usually one of two types: all wire mesh or a combination of litter and wire mesh with waterers located on the wire. Age groups are kept isolated, either in separate buildings or in separate rooms with solid partitions between them. Modern commercial total-confinement duck housing usually has clear-span-truss framing, and is well insulated and mechanically ventilated. ![]() Commercial duck housing is usually one of two types: total confinement and semi-confinement. More in depth sources of information can be found in Publications. See also Ducks for Herding.Ī thorough discussion of modern commercial duck production is beyond the scope of this web page. Supplemental feed is given to herded ducks only when the food supply in the fields is inadequate. A grassy area with some protection, such as provided by trees, is selected as a base camp where the fencing is set up. Portable fencing and other equipment is moved with the flock to each new location. It is the job of the herdsman to move the flock, as often as necessary, to areas where food is plentiful. The major part of the diet of herded ducks consists of whole grains and snails, plus small amounts of insects, leaf material, crabs and frogs. Eggs are collected and sold, or used for food by the herdsman's family. At night, the flock is returned to a confinement, usually a bamboo pen, where eggs are laid during the night. During the day, a flock of ducks, usually mature females, is allowed to search for food in harvested rice fields and other areas where food is plentiful. In Indonesia, herded flocks under the care of a single herdsman usually range in size from 90 to 130. Usually both the ducks and fish are given supplemental feed, which on commercial duck/fish farms is often a nutritionally complete pelleted ration. The number of ducks kept on ponds must be limited to prevent an over-supply of nutrients and overgrowth of plant life which will cause depletion of oxygen in the water and kill the fish. Manure from the ducks provide nutrients for growth of animal and plant life which the fish consume. ![]() Ponds are stocked with fish such as Tilapia which are raised for human food. In tropical areas it is common to combine duck raising on ponds with fish farming. ![]() Ducks kept on ponds may obtain part of their food from plant and animal life in and around the pond, but supplemental feeding will probably be necessary. If predators are a problem at night, the open areas of the shed and pen may have to be covered with inexpensive netting or wire mesh.ĭucks may be kept successfully on open ponds, provided a nearby dry sheltered area is available. Low fencing (about 61cm) is satisfactory for Pekins, since they do not fly, but not for Muscovies, which are adept to becoming airborne. The earth floor of the sheltered area should be bedded with straw, shavings or similarly dry absorbent material. Whenever available, sandy soil is preferable for the duck yard because it drains quickly after a rain. The shelter should be located on a high, well-drained area of the yard. Except for a brooder, which is needed for the first week or so, the main facilities and equipment needed to get started are a simple structure, such as a partially-enclosed shed, inexpensive fencing, a feed hopper or trough made of wood and a simply constructed watering device. In areas where poultry raising is allowed and space is available, a small flock of ducks can be kept in the yard of a household at a low cost. ![]()
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |