A Complete Analysis of the Key Technical Points for Raising Ducks on Slatted Wooden Floors

Farmers can choose idle land in front of or behind their houses to raise meat ducks in pens, with Beijing ducks, Tianfu meat ducks, and Cherry Valley ducks being the most suitable breeds. The method of flat-pen raising on slatted wooden floors is adopted, and its key operating points are as follows:

Feeding Requirements Farmers can determine the scale of raising according to the site and economic conditions. Generally, 100 to 200 ducks can be raised per batch, and the next batch of ducklings should be purchased 15 days before the current batch is ready for market. The raising site should be high and dry, well ventilated and facing the sun, sheltered from wind and rain, warm in cold weather and heat-protected. Provide enough feed troughs and drinking troughs. Allow free feeding and ensure a constant supply of drinking water.

Heat Preservation Methods In winter and spring, small-scale raisers can use cardboard boxes or woven baskets lined with straw and cotton, plus hot water bags, to keep the ducklings warm. Each box holds 25 ducklings, which are placed into the nest after eating and drinking. The brooding temperature should be around 27°C for 1 to 7 days of age, and around 24°C for 8 to 24 days of age, after which it depends on the weather. If the ducklings huddle together after being released or make a "xi, xi" chirping sound in the nest, the temperature is too low. If the ducklings move about freely and are evenly distributed, the temperature is suitable. In spring and autumn, heat preservation is generally needed for about 7 days; in winter, for more than 10 days; and in summer, attention should be paid to heat protection and cooling. After the ducklings no longer need supplemental heat, move them onto raised beds for rearing. The slatted wooden bed should be 0.8 to 1 m high, and the wooden slats used to cover the bed should have gaps of 1 cm so that duck droppings fall through to the ground. The sides of the slatted wooden bed should be tightly enclosed with bamboo-woven curtains.

Density and Lighting For 1 to 7 days of age, raise 25 to 35 ducks per sq m; for 8 to 14 days of age, raise 18 to 25 ducks per sq m; for 15 to 21 days of age, raise 12 to 18 ducks per sq m. In summer, the density should be lower, and in winter it can be slightly higher. Use 24-hour lighting for 1 to 3 days of age, and natural lighting after 4 days of age, turning on the lights for feeding in the morning and evening.

Feeding Requirements After purchasing the ducklings, they should be given water before their first feed. Add an appropriate amount of glucose to the drinking water. After they drink, scatter swollen broken rice or crushed corn on plastic sheeting to teach the ducklings to eat. Once they know how to eat, feed them complete pelleted feed for ducklings. After 15 days of age, feed them pelleted feed for growing ducks. Feed small amounts frequently, feed them well, and feed at fixed times, six times per day and night, including one feeding at 6 a.m. and one at 10 p.m. To reduce costs, farmers can also feed animal hearts and lungs, meat scraps, corn distillers' grains, sweet potatoes, melons, and other feed. Make sure drinking water is never lacking, change the bedding frequently, clean out duck droppings often, and prevent dampness and harm from wild animals.