Commercial duck farming is a very profitable business and it is gaining popularity very fast, especially among the beginners. Most of the beginner farmers who want to start livestock farming, consider and plan for raising ducks.
Actually, duck farming is the practice of keeping ducks for the purpose of producing duck products. Most common duck products are meat and eggs. And today, most of the duck farms are operated mainly for meat and eggs production.
Domestic duck farming is a very old business. And people are keeping ducks for food production from the ancient time. Both small scale and commercial duck production is very popular throughout the world and the popularity is increasing rapidly.
Global population is increasing rapidly and food demand is also increasing. Duck meat and eggs both are good for using as good source of animal protein. So, the demand and price of duck meat and eggs are increasing. You can take the advantages of this increasing demand and price. And thus you will be able to make high profits from raising ducks.
How to start duck farming business for making high profits?
Starting commercial duck farming business is relatively easy and simple. You can start this business for making money in small scale with few birds initially. You can start raising a few ducks easily, even if you are a beginner. Actually, we always recommend starting in small scale, learn practically and expand gradually. And approaching in this way is very important for successful and profitable business. Now are going to discuss the steps for starting and operating a successful duck farming business.
Know local regulations or zoning laws
First of all, consider any local regulation or zoning laws before starting duck farming business. Raising ducks is not permitted in some areas. So, it is a wise decision to know the local regulation or zoning laws. You can read further steps if this business is legal in your area.
Gather practical knowledge/experience
Try to learn more about this business practically. You can gather practical knowledge either from any organizations or from existing farmers. Visit as many farms as possible before starting this business. And if possible, try to complete a duck farming training.
Determine your goal
Determine the goal of your business, and doing this is very important. Because, you will not be able to be successful if you don’t have right goal. So, make clear goal and work hard to fulfill your dreams.
Make a good business plan
You have to make a very good and effective business plan if you want to be successful in goat farming business. A good business plan helps to run your operation smoothly. Try to include everything in your business plan from starting to marketing. Ask for help from an expert if you are new in this business.
Select good location
Selecting a good location for your farm is very important. Try to select the location far from residential areas, and ensure that it has access to sufficient land to fulfill all the necessities related to duck production. Ducks require access to water and do well in moderate temperature. Ensure there is market available near your selected area for marketing your products easily and also for purchasing required things. Also consider the availability of veterinary service in your selected area.
Determine the products from your farm
This step is also very important, and determine the products before starting. Ducks are raised for many different products such as eggs, meat, feathers, fat, liver etc. But in most cases the ducks are raised mainly for their eggs and meat production purpose. So, determine which product you want to produce from your farm. You can produce meat or eggs or both.
Select good breeds based on your production purpose
After determining the products, select good breeds for your production purpose. Aylesbury, Cayuga, Pekin, Muscovy and Swedish Blue ducks are considered best for meat production purpose. Indian Runner, Khaki Campbell, Ancona, Buff and
the Welsh Harlequin ducks are considered best for eggs production. And some best dual purpose breeds are Cayuga, Pekin, Khaki Campbell, Ancona and Swedish Blue ducks.
Make a good house/shelter
Making a good and comfortable housing system is very important for commercial duck farming business. A good house not only helps the birds to stay healthy and productive but also helps them to stay safe from predators and adverse weather conditions. Ensure enough space is available inside the house. Exact housing space requirement depends and vary based on the breed. An average size duck generally require 4-5 square feet housing space. Additional space is required for nesting boxes and other equipment.
Purchase duck farming equipment
Like many other commercial poultry farming business, commercial duck production require using some necessary equipment. Some common and necessary equipment for keeping ducks are water pools, feeders, waterers, fencing, bedding material, brooders, incubators, nesting boxes, lighting system, cleaning equipment, feed storage containers, office tools, and veterinary supplies.
Purchase ducklings
After selecting your desired breed, purchase good quality ducklings from any of your nearest duck breeders or hatcheries. Always try to purchase good quality, healthy and active ducklings.
Take good care of the ducklings
If you can start with good caring then your ducklings will grow better and they will perform better in the future. Setup the brooder perfectly and maintain optimum temperature. Try to use wire mesh floor during the brooding period to prevent from wetness. Doing this is very important, because allowing the newborn ducklings into water is not good, at least for 15 days of their birth. Feed them well with duck starter feed, vaccinate them timely, monitor their health and always try to take good care of them.
Take good care of the growing ducks
Healthy and active growing birds perform better in future when they will start eggs and meat production. Feed them well with grower feed and monitor their health on a regular basis.
Feed them nutritious food
Feeding the ducks with very good quality and nutritious food is the most important part of duck farming business. Quality of food affect the production directly. However, exact dietary requirement of ducks vary depending upon their age and stage of development. Young ducks generally more protein percentage in their diet than mature ducks. Ducklings generally require a diet consisting 20-24 percent protein. While mature ducks require less protein and they will perform better if their diet contains 15-16 percent protein. You can feed your ducks with ready-made commercial foods for commercial production.
Ensure access to fresh and clean water
Along with providing the ducks with enough good quality and nutritious food, it is also very important to provide them enough clean and fresh drinking water. Always try to provide them enough clean and fresh drinking water as per their demand. Keep several waterer inside their housing system.
Consider breeding the ducks
If you want to produce fertile eggs, then you have to let your ducks to breed. Ducks are excellent breeders and they will breed easily if you keep good ratio of male and female ducks in your farm. Generally, one mature male duck is enough for breeding around or up to 10 ducks. They become ready for breeding when the reach maturity at the age of 5-6 months.
Learn about duck diseases and their control
Ducks are susceptible to some common diseases and health problems. Learn more about these and diseases and their preventive methods. Some common duck diseases are Avian cholera, Duck plague, Aspergillosis, Colibacillosis, Duck virus hepatitis, Botulism etc. Consult with some expert in your area or call a vet if you notice any of the above disease or health problems.
Caring the productive ducks
Taking good care of the productive ducks is very important. Your birds will stay healthy, strong and productive if you take good care of them. Common caring tasks for the ducks include providing them with good shelter, providing nutritious food and monitoring their health.
Marketing
You can start selling your products after a few months. If you raise meat ducks, then you will be able to sell ducks after around 4 months. And in case of raising laying ducks, you can expect to sell eggs after their 5 months of age. Whether the product you produce, it is very easy to market duck products. Because, both meat and eggs have very good demand and value in the market. You can easily sell your product in the local market. Although, we recommend determining your marketing strategies before starting this business.
Calculate total costs and profits
Commercial duck farming is a highly profitable business if you can do everything perfectly. Keep records of all costs and calculate profits or loss at the last. Duck farming is a profitable venture and we are sure that you will be able to make good profits from this business.
These are the common steps for starting and operating a successful duck farming business. Hope this guide has helped you. Consider sharing it with your interested friends.