An Absolute Beginner's Guide to Raising Backyard Ducks: Breeds, Feeding, Housing and Care, Eggs and Meat

by Gail Damerow

This inspiring introductory guide provides all the information beginners need to raise ducks successfully in the yard or on a small homestead or farm.

Ducks are quickly gaining on chickens as popular animals for the backyard homestead or small farm. They are friendly, productive, good at eating pests, remarkably healthy, and easier to raise than chickens in many ways. Plus, they are exceptionally adorable! This accessible introductory guide features original photography tracking the growth and care of a small flock of backyard ducks, and addresses everything the beginner duck keeper needs to know to be successful, including breed selection, housing, feeding, health care, understanding behavior, and egg and meat production. 
 

Genres: Nonfiction

160 pages, Paperback

Published February 14, 2023

About the author

Gail Damerow and her husband operate a family farm in Tennessee where they keep poultry and dairy goats, tend a sizable garden, and maintain a small orchard. They grow and preserve much of their own food, make their own yogurt and ice cream, and bake their own bread. Gail has written extensively on raising livestock, growing fruits and vegetables, and related rural skills. She shares her experience and knowledge as a regular contributor to Backyard Poultry and Countryside magazines, as an occasional contributor to numerous other periodicals, and as the author or contributor to more than a dozen country skills how-to books.

Reviews

[Vanessa M. · Rating 4 out of 5]

I wasn't going to write a review as I'm not at this time raising ducks but this morning I thought, "Why not?"

I chose Damerow's good guide because I discovered a duck nest with nine eggs in our flower bed three days ago. Our next door neighbor's pool cover sinks from the winter weather and every spring a pair of mallards will swim in the water that lays atop the cover. They crack us up, lounging by the pool. Our neighbor's German Shepherd Penny flies out of the house and careens toward the fenced-in pool to greet the waterfowl with her vociferous, yet very friendly barks. The ducks used to fly away in terror but now they are unfazed by Penny's antics.

They decided to set up shop in our flower bed and my husband and I (we've no children of our own and no pets at this time) have acted like middle-aged fools, taking photos and calling family and friends to announce the good news. We've marked the calendar and Mrs. Mama has sat on her nest for two solid days. I know from Damerow's book that she'll be expecting them to hatch in 28 days.

My husband and I want to assist the pair as best as we can. Mainly, to give them privacy and space. I have learned via Damerow's book that ducks need to clean their bills and I'm ensuring the ground level bird bath is fresh and fully filled.

I am thinking of getting a kiddie pool.

I do have concerns about Mrs. Mama getting the ducklings safely to the stream that is several yards away. They will have to cross the street. My supervisor has already approved me to call in if I need to stay home and assist with the operation🤣

Yesterday when I came home from work I found TWO drakes lounging poolside. Is there a second nest somewhere?

I recommend this guide to those who do want to raise ducks. Or, to learn about ducks in general.

[thewoollygeek (tea, cake, crochet & books) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ithink this is a great little book for beginners, being a beginner myself and having looked after a friend’s ducklings for a week as my vast experience I thought it covered the basics well, in plain English and had attractive pictures and easy sections to follow. Great little guide for the wannabe duck owner

Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for a free copy for an honest opinion

[Suzanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

As a long time keeper of call ducks for the last 15 years, it was interesting to read this take on duck ownership. Although it is heavily written for the US market (referencing US predators and their penchance for Mail order eggs and hatchlings - which I don’t approve of), there is lots to be taken away by the potential new or existing duck keeper from this book.

There are sections on housing, diet, illness and care, breed and sex of duck choice, showing, and much more. All advice is written in a friendly non-judgemental kind of way, and it’s an easy read. In addition if bought for the bookshelf, it would provide a handy reference point for emergencies or similar.

I particularly enjoyed the little anecdotal tales peppered throughout, and the section on duck behaviour/why do they do what they do. In addition there are some lovely images, although my colour kindle version had some formatting issues which I’m sure will be resolved on publication.

4 stars, due to the bias and lack of relevance in places to the U.K. market.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for my ARC in exchange for my honest review.

[Nikki King · Rating 5 out of 5]

I would say I am not a beginner to raising backyard ducks, however, I thought I would be a great person to review this advanced reader copy considering I have been a duck owner for almost a decade now. I thought this book was fantastic. The descriptions of the breeds was spot on; accurate, thorough, and my personal experience. The social behavior section was enlightening - there were several communication methods that I have witnessed before but wasn't sure exactly what they meant. I thought the piece on water was perfect - so many people think you need a pond to have ducks and that is simply not the case. I was glad this book was an accurate reflection of their need to be able to submerge their head. Overall, I thought this was a great book and perfect for anyone interesting in adding ducks to their flock. I love my ducks so much and this book certainly did the raising of ducks justice.

[Dr. S.P. Prem - A Preceptor · Rating 5 out of 5]

The book provides invaluable information for novice duck raisers, offering a wealth of details about raising ducks. It covers the various existing breeds and helps beginners choose the most suitable ones. For instance, it discusses the Muscovy breed's unique characteristics, including the drakes' occasional aggressiveness and their notably quieter nature compared to other breeds. The book includes a well-edited list of breeds, accompanied by pictures that enrich the reading experience. Gail Damerow has done an excellent job, and this book is a wonderful resource for those new to duck-raising. However, for readers seeking more scientific information about duck diseases, the book may fall short. While the author suggests that ducks are generally resistant to diseases—a statement that is 90% to 100% accurate when culling ducks within the first year or raising young ducks. The book does touch on conditions like bumble foot and other diseases, but there is a noticeable lack of detail on diseases and vaccinations. Overall, the book is truly excellent. The "Duck Tales" sections are delightful, providing a cheerful and engaging read. Gail Damerow's literary style and sharing of experiences make this a must-read for anyone interested in ducks. Thank you, Gail Damerow, for this wonderful book.

[Hayli Netterlund · Rating 5 out of 5]

A comprehensive guide to raising ducks. Everything you need to know from hatching ducklings or bringing them home, to butchering for meat, collecting eggs, or showing your ducks. I enjoyed the book and the ease in which the information was shared.

A warning: there is a small snippet in which the language used could be triggering for some. It’s not enough to warrant a change in my rating, but I do wish the author would have used softer language.

[Kerrific Kerr · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great beginner's guide from Storey! Kid friendly. Wonderful pictures. Just the right amount of informationa bout duck breeds and caring for your new feathered friends. A must have for duck owners.

[Malin Friess · Rating 4 out of 5]

My wife and kids hatched 5 ducks from an incuabtor a few months ago. They are being raised in pen in our backyard. We lost one (maybe to an eagle). I'm learning about Drakes, sexting, preening, etc. We will see how long they live...they may become Coyote meat?

[Sarah Luedke · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very informative. I like how they always included, "if you have chickens and ducks...".

[Sutherland · Rating 5 out of 5]

As advertised

[Destiny Cumbee · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ducks!