Chickens and Ducks Starter

If you are ready to begin raising poultry and ducks - and if it sounds like a happy adventure ... well a lot of experienced people will tell you it can be! 

All of them will probably add that it is also an every-day commitment that you have to take seriously to succeed. 

Don't be discouraged by warnings - but do know what you are getting into and what your reasons are.  Raising poultry and ducks can be rewarding, whether for eggs, meat, or companionship. Here are some basic start tips:

Commitment: Time and effort every day for feeding, cleaning, and health monitoring. 

Balanced Diet: Know what is appropriate for the age and type of bird. ie: Layer feed is essential for laying hens, while starter feed is suitable for chicks. Talk with your supplier and others about your birds' specific needs. 

Water: Fresh, clean water must always be available. Ducks especially need access to water for dipping their heads. 

Chickens and ducks are social creatures. They need groups to prevent loneliness and stress.

They need room too - adequate space for each bird. Chickens typically need room to move about in the coop and more in the run. Ducks require still more space due to their need for water.

First Class Accommodations: By which we mean the coop. It needs to be well-ventilated, secure from predators, and easy to clean. Provide nesting boxes for hens and a safe area for ducks to swim if possible. 

Choosing your breed(s): 

Poultry: Common breeds include Rhode Island Reds, Leghorns, and Orpingtons for eggs, and Cornish or Broilers for meat.

Ducks: Popular breeds include Pekin for meat, Khaki Campbell for eggs, and Indian Runner for both.

People say that no one wants to read these days - and we try to be brief as possible on every subject. So we've just presented a few things to think about before you get started. As you get ready to dive in and start finding the right birds, talk to as many people in your region as possible about what is working well for them. 

And all that being said, it really isn't rocket science either. 

Like we mentioned at the start, there can also be a lot of fun in it! Plus eggs.