Have you considered having pet ducks or adding these feathery friends to your homestead? As someone who grew up in a larger farm community, I was used to seeing various animals, especially during different 4H events. One of the things I always loved seeing was all the different ducks throughout the city. Some were ducks in private parks, while others were taken care of by the state. With us considering getting land, maybe even one with a lake, I had been researching duck ownership just as much as owning chickens. When I asked to review a new complimentary book on the subject, Raising Ducks for Beginners and Beyond, I couldn’t wait to share it with everyone!
Raising Ducks for Beginners and Beyond: What Is It
Are you considering owning ducks but are unsure where to start? If so, you will love Raising Ducks for Beginners and Beyond. Here is what the publisher has to say about this brand-new book:
Get started raising your own ducks with this approachable guide by duck-fluencer Kristine Ellis (@dunkin.ducks).
Raising ducks may seem like all fun and games thanks to the adorable and silly birds, but what most people don’t realize is just how much work it takes to successfully keep them healthy and happy. The truth is that it’s not difficult, but it does require time, effort, and knowledge. Through her social media channels, Kristine shares many different aspects of her experience with raising ducks. She shows the good, the bad, and everything in between. In Raising Ducks for Beginners and Beyond, Kristine takes the same honest approach and covers it all:
- When and how to start: When is the best time to start raising your ducks? What are the pros and cons? Are there any specific requirements in your state regarding keeping ducks? How should you set up when bringing your ducks home? And everything you should know before welcoming your ducks.
- How to choose your ducks: Different types of ducks, male-to-female ratio, size of the ducks, and more. There are many considerations when it comes to picking which ducks you want to raise.
- …and what about chickens? Kristine covers the key differences between raising ducks and chickens.
- Ducklings to ducks: Learn how to raise ducklings, let your ducks hatch their own eggs, transition your ducklings to the outdoors, and more.
- Nutrition and feeding: Make sure they’re receiving the right nutrient ratios and that they’re surrounded by duck-safe plants, flowers, and more.
- Keeping your ducks healthy (and happy!): What is the right bedding to keep your ducks comfortable? What about coop and/or pen size? What are common illnesses among ducks? And more on how to keep your ducks in good shape and content.
- Pools and ponds: One of the key differences from chicken-keeping, ponds are absolutely vital for ducks. This chapter helps you make sure your ducks’ pools and/or ponds are the correct size and that they are kept nice and clean.
- Ducks through the seasons: Learn how to treat your ducks according to season. What seasons affect ducks, and why?
- Predators: One of the most important parts of keeping ducks is keeping them safe. Know what their predators are and how to keep them at bay.
- Duck eggs: What’s the difference between a duck egg and a chicken egg? Is one better than the other? What can you use duck eggs for? Learn all you need to know about the nutritional value of duck eggs and how you can use them.
Through tutorials, instructions, and tips, this essential guide will have you feeling confident through every step of the process of raising and keeping ducks.
Our Thoughts
As someone who knew little about ducks but has read great things about owning them, I must say Raising Ducks for Beginners and Beyond offered a down-to-earth approach I needed before considering duck ownership. Unlike some educational books, the author presents information like your mom or best friend teaching you about a hobby they are excited to share. Kristine Ellis does a fantastic job introducing her readers to duck ownership and talking realistically about the pros and cons of the hobby.
The most exciting bit to me was how approachable the duck owner is, especially to someone who assumed you have to own your lake and probably have hundreds of acres, which seems unrealistic for hobbies or homesteaders. It feels like you have a friend with you every step of the way, from hatching your first duck to caring for them throughout various stages of life, including grieving. I think Raising Ducks for Beginners and Beyond is necessary for anyone considering raising ducks!
Where to Purchase
Would you like to purchase this fantastic book for yourself or someone who loves these fluffy, aquatic birds? You can find Raising Ducks for Beginners and Beyond on Amazon.com in paperback or digitally for your Kindle for under $25. Who knew owning ducks could be so fun and rewarding?
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About Susan Bewley
Susan Bewley is a professional writer who has been writing content online & in print format for over 10 years. As well, she is an alumni of the University of Louisville with a Masters Degree in Special Education. When not working as an online business consultant or ghost writing, she can be found writing on Budget Earth, on her own novel, or working with various entities in the pet industry.