How to Free-Range Ducks? Detailed Explanation of Free-Range Technical Points

Free-ranging ducks is now quite popular in many areas, as duck meat raised this way is more flavorful and more nutritious, but raising ducks by free-range methods comes with many problems, and there are also many issues we need to consider, so how exactly should ducks be free-ranged? Follow along with the editor below to take a look.

1. Duckling Selection

Ducklings used for free-ranging must have sound constitutions, and by this time the ducklings should also have reached a certain size, so that free-ranging can be carried out, otherwise losses will be great. Generally, we need to select ducklings of at least about half a month old for free-ranging; if they have not reached this age, they need to be raised in the farm for a period of time before free-ranging.

2. Free-Range Density

The free-range density needs to be determined based on the area of the selected free-range region as well as the size and growth condition of the ducklings. The free-range density can be appropriately sparse, but must never be too dense, because then the food in the free-range area cannot meet the needs of the duck flock and scrambling for food will occur; at the same time, too high a free-range density will pollute the environment of the free-range area. Usually, one mu of free-range area can generally accommodate about twenty-five to thirty-five adult ducks, while for fifteen-day-old ducklings, generally several hundred can be free-ranged.

3. Free-Range Area

For the free-range area, we mainly plan and select based on the number of ducks being free-ranged, the distance from the farm, and the environment of the area. Generally, we choose nearby gardens or rice paddies for free-ranging, so that they will have abundant food in the gardens and fields, and we only need to feed a small amount of concentrated feed for fattening. At the same time, fences must be set up in the free-range area to prevent the ducks from escaping.

4. Free-Range Method

Generally, the duck flock is released into the selected free-range area at around ten to eleven o'clock every morning. Sufficient drinking water must be prepared in the free-range area, and at around two to three o'clock every afternoon, feed is placed at fixed locations in the free-range area to supplement the nutrients they need for growth; then, after they return to the farm in the evening, one more supplementary feeding is enough. During the free-ranging process, we must strengthen the management of the fields and gardens to prevent harm from natural enemies, and it is best to have a dedicated person supervising every day.

5. Precautions

When free-ranging ducks, there are many points to pay attention to. The editor lists a few here. First, when free-ranging, do not choose a place that is too far away, as it is inconvenient for management. Second, when free-ranging, do not drive the ducks too hurriedly, because ducks are very timid and easily startled, which will cause some unnecessary damage. Then, do not free-range when the ground is relatively hot, as this will damage the ducks' feet and lead to bacterial infection. Finally, do not let the ducks enter areas that have been sprayed with pesticides to forage, otherwise they will be poisoned to death.