Raising Ducks (Storey's Guides to Raising)

For 17 years readers have turned to Storey Books for advice on raising animals. Our Modern Way series of six books has sold more than 1,000,000 copies. In an effort to provide readers with the best how-to animal books on the market we are completely updating all six Modern Way titles and reintroducing them as part of our Guide to Raising series.

Written by experts, these guides give novice and experienced livestock farmers all they need to know to successfully keep and profit from animals. Each book includes information on selection, housing, space requirements, breeding and birthing techniques, feeding, behavior, and health concerns and remedies for illness. The books also address the business of raising animals — processing meat, milk, eggs, and more. The authors were chosen not only for their expertise but also for their ability to explain the ins and outs of animal husbandry in an inviting and authoritative manner.

Whether readers are ready to start an entire herd or flock or are considering purchasing their first animal, Storey's Guide to Raising series offers vital information; each book is an indispensable reference.

These guides give novice and experienced livestock farmers all they need to know to successfully keep and profit from animals. Each book includes information on selection, housing, behavior, space requirements, breeding and birthing techniques, feeding, health concerns, and remedies for illness. The books also cover the business of raising animals, such as processing meat, milk, eggs, and more. The authors were chosen not only for their expertise but also for their ability to explain the ins and outs of animal husbandry in an inviting and accessible style. Whether readers are ready to start an entire herd or flock or are considering purchasing their first animal, Storey's Guide to Raising books offer vital information and are an indispensable reference.

Everything You Need to Know to Raise Ducks Successfully

This comprehensive, fully illustrated guide takes you through every step of owning ducks. An essential resource for any duck breeder, it provides the most up-to-date information on:

Individual breeds

Breeding for color varieties

Feeding and housing

Maximizing egg production

Breeding for color varieties

Showing prize-winning ducks

Health care and disease prevention

"This book is a deep and useful resource for anyone from beginner to advanced breeder and is jam-packed with information available nowhere else. This includes not only recent scientific understandings but also many insights and 'tricks' from old-time breeders that are sure to contribute to success." - D. Philip Sponenberg, D.V.M., Ph.D. American Livestock Breeds Conservancy

Dave Holderread has raised and studied ducks for 50 years. He taught applied poultry science in Puerto Rico before he and his wife established one of the largest genetic stocks of domestic waterfowl in the world on their farm in Oregon. Their ducks have won numerous championships at regional, national, and international shows.

1 Why Ducks? (1)

2 External Features and Behaviors (10)

3 Choosing the Right Duck (16)

Bantam Breeds (22)

Medium weight Breeds (34)

Heavyweight Breeds (65)

The Importance of Preserving Rare Breeds (88)

Hybrid Ducks (93)

Understanding Duck Colors (98)

Acquiring Stock (142)

Incubation (146)

Rearing Ducklings (166)

Managing Adult Ducks (190)

Understanding Feeds (217)

Butchering (227)

Health and Physical Problems (235)

Show Times (275)