Basic Duck Care Basic Duck Care Tirath S. Sandhu, DVM, Ph.D. and William F. Dean, Ph.D. Ducks are raised under a wide variety of conditions, ranging from those provided for a single pet duck to those existing on a large commercial duck farm. Duck farming systems around the world range from the very extensive herding system of the Orient, to the highly intensive modern commercial duck producing systems of the West, which are becoming much more common in the East as well. Regardless of the category of duck keeping, there are certain basic requirements that must be met if ducks are to remain healthy.
Ducks adapt well to a wide range of systems of care provided they receive essential basic care.
A clean, dry sheltered area. Although ducks can spend most of their time outdoors, on ponds or in wet areas, they require a clean dry sheltered area where they can retreat, rest, clean and preen their feathers. This allows them to waterproof their plumage, which protects their skin from injury and helps keep their body warm. Water for swimming is not essential, but can be beneficial in areas where temperatures are high. The particulars of meeting these basic needs is presented under the headings at the bottom of this page.