Key Technical Points for the Feeding and Management of Meat-Type Mandarin Ducks

   I. Feeding and Management of Young Mandarin Ducks
Day-old mandarin ducklings are sensitive to temperature within 1 to 3 days after hatching, prefer warmth and sleep a lot, so the temperature should be kept no lower than 30°C. After 3 days, gradually lower the temperature. At the same time, maintain light duration and intensity, gradually shortening and reducing light as they grow. Start feeding at about 24 hours after hatching, keep drinking water available at all times, and young mandarin ducks should not be put into water. They can be fed chick or duckling feed, or partially cooked rice, noodles, etc.

 

   II. Feeding and Management of Breeding Mandarin Ducks
Males and females can be kept together at a ratio of 1:3, and can be raised in pens, free-range, or open-range. For pen raising, 50 to 100 birds is suitable; the pen should have a water pool and an appropriate activity area, a nesting box or laying pool, and constant access to drinking water. Try to keep the house dry, clean, well ventilated, and with sufficient light. In terms of feed, give more concentrated feed during the laying period. At the same time, add some inorganic salts and trace elements. During the non-laying period, they can be raised on a coarser diet.
 
   III. Feeding and Management of Growing Mandarin Ducks
After 1 month of age, mandarin ducks grow faster, especially between 2 and 4 months of age, when growth is fastest, so this is also the period of greatest feed intake, and a complete-price feed must be supplied. If conditions permit, raise males and females separately. During this period there are two times of feather-pecking growth: first, around 1 month of age when the tail feathers grow; second, after 2 months of age when the primary wing feathers grow. To reduce feather pecking, start adding sulfur-containing amino acids and additives for treating feather pecking at 20 days of age, such as feather meal and beak-stopping powder, etc. Pay attention to raising density and environmental hygiene, and limit light intensity, etc.