Eggs are collected and sold, or used for food by the herdsman's family. 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. It is the job of the herdsman to move the flock, as often as necessary, to areas where food is plentiful. Portable fencing and other equipment is moved with the flock to each new location. A grassy area with some protection, such as provided by trees, is selected as a base camp where the fencing is set up.
Supplemental feed is given to herded ducks only when the food supply in the fields is inadequate.
Commercial duck production. A thorough discussion of modern commercial duck production is beyond the scope of this web page. More in depth sources of information can be found in Publications . Age groups are kept isolated, either in separate buildings or in separate rooms with solid partitions between them. Ventilation systems are usually the negative pressure type with adjustable, or automatically controlled air inlets and exhaust fans located along the side walls.