Can I leave my birds on open water during the day and lock them in at night? While this may be possible for certain domestic species like Mallards and Call Ducks, it is generally not recommended for ornamental ducks. Ornamental species are typically more delicate, shy, and skittish, making them harder to manage in open
Breeding, Brooding, and Raising Ornamental Waterfowl at Swans Farm At Swans Farm, we begin housing our birds in their designated aviaries with their mates by late fall. This gives them ample time to settle into their new environment and establish familiarity with their enclosure companions before the breeding season begins. Nesting Setup and Box Design
A Guide to Caring for Ailing Ornamental Ducks and Waterfowl By Swans Farm Due to the number of emails and phone calls I’ve received over the years regarding the treatment of sick or injured birds, I’ve compiled this article to share insights based on personal experience in caring for wild waterfowl. Please note, I am
Ornamental ducks differ from domestic ducks in several ways. The biggest differences are in breeding habits and in temperament. Unlike domestic ducks most ornamental/wild ducks only nest at one time of year, for most species this is Spring. Domestic ducks may also lay the majority of their eggs in the Spring, but will also lay
How much feed should my birds be given daily? Since all of our birds have access to feed 24/7 we do not know how much food each individual bird consumes each day. If you do not plan to leave feed available at all times for your birds we recommend the following. Feed twice a day
What should I feed my new ducks? All of our waterfowl are fed a 17% duck breeder pellet. If a feed similar to this is not available in your area, a chicken layer pellet is a good substitute. This can be mixed with grain or fed on it’s own. Grains that we have used are
How should I care for my new birds once I receive them? As soon as you arrive home with them your birds should be removed from their shipping box and placed in a quiet and as stress free environment as possible. Be sure to open their shipping box in a secure area, birds can spring