Duck Raising; Starting the Project

Duck raising is becoming popular nowadays. Ducks require less attention and need no elaborate housing like chicken do. Other reason include the following;

1. They are more hardy, easily brooded and resistant to common avian diseases.
2. Ducks lay eggs even up to the third year of production but the highest peak is the first and second year.
3. There is a growing preference for ducks eggs as balut and salted eggs.
4. Duck's meat is gaining popularity and public acceptance.
5. Ducks have natural tendency of foraging.

There are several factors to consider when starting the project.

1. Location of the project. A place with a watershed is highly recommended. In the absence of watershed, artificial pool should be constructed. select a place near natural ponds like lakes, rivers, or streams.
   
2. Availability of quality stock. Select stock that have vigor, egg-laying ability, free of pest and diseases and adaptable to local conditions.
3. Climate condition. Select stocks for breeding that are adaptable to local conditions. Ducks that originate from warm climate will not prosper in cold weather and will not lay eggs regularly. Likewise, ducks originating from cold climate will have same performance if they are raised in warm climate provided they have undertaken proper measures to ensure even performance.
4. Availability of feeds. Adequate feeds should always be available. Green feeds must be supplemented during the growing and laying stage. Available natural foods such as worms, insects, and snails will reduce the feed cost.
5. Adequate water supply. Ducks thrive well in areas near lakes, rivers or any place where there is adequate water supply for drinking. A water pump should be installed in the area.
6. Market potential. Selects stocks that can produce good and large eggs. Find out what type of eggs sell best in the market.
7. Capital. When starting a business, be sure to have available funds. Start the business only when the capital is on hand.

Breeds of Ducks

     There are two groups of ducks: the meat and the egg types

The egg breeds include:

• Indian Runner. This breed originated from England and called the "leghorn" of the duck family. This breed has a great laying capacity. They lay eggs everyday and the eggs are big and white shelled.

Native Pateros

• Khaki Campbell. This breeds has a following traits. They have light brown feathers, coarse head, curly tail. This breed is very active in their habitats but has little desire to swim. eggs have high fertility and hatch-ability under local conditions. The eggs are fairly large with thick shell.

• Native or Pateros. The native duck is called Pateros duck which originates from Philippines. Pateros ducks are smaller than the imported breeds but they good layers and produce large eggs. They lay 100 eggs per laying season.

Indian Runner

         Pateros duck are raised mainly for their eggs. The Pateros duck or Itik has smaller body than that of the Indian Runner. These ducks are generally raised in rivers, brooks, or ponds where there are plenty of snails and clams that serve as their food. The female duck has low pitched "quack" sound and spread their tail feathers flat to their body. The male has higher pitched chirp and has curly feathers on the top of the tail.

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Source: TLE IV Book