**General Management of Ducks**
1. **Ventilation**
In most open duck houses, ventilation is primarily controlled based on temperature and humidity levels inside the house. The amount of air exchange is regulated by the number of open doors and windows, as well as the duration of opening and closing. Windows should be installed at a higher position to allow for efficient removal of warm, lighter exhaust air without directly exposing the ducks to wind. This helps prevent cold stress from sudden temperature changes and reduces the risk of "thief winds" that can cause discomfort and poor growth in young ducks.
2. **Stocking Density**
For ducklings, an appropriate density is typically between 400 to 1000 ducks per area. When raising them on elevated floors, the recommended stocking rate is about 20 ducks per square meter during the first week, decreasing to 14 per square meter in the second week, and no more than 10 after the third week. For net-based or combined floor and net systems, the density can be increased by up to one-third, provided proper care and space are maintained.
3. **Temperature Control**
Maintaining a stable and suitable temperature is crucial for duckling development. During the first three days, the temperature should be kept between 28°C and 30°C. From day 4 to 6, it should gradually decrease to 24°C–26°C, and by day 7 to 10, around 20°C–23°C. After that, the temperature should be adjusted accordingly. If the indoor temperature drops below 20°C, infrared lamps or electric heating plates can be used for warmth. It’s important to avoid overheating or sudden temperature fluctuations that could harm the ducks.
4. **Humidity Regulation**
The ideal relative humidity for brooding is between 56% and 70%, which closely matches the humidity level of freshly hatched ducklings. This helps prevent excessive water loss due to dry air, ensuring their bodies function properly and promoting healthy growth.
5. **Lighting**
Young ducks have limited feeding capacity, so providing continuous lighting for the first three days ensures they have enough time to eat and drink. Artificial lighting is especially useful at night. The lighting should be sufficient to allow the ducks to see their feed and water clearly.
6. **Vaccination Programs**
Vaccination protocols vary depending on local disease prevalence and regional conditions. It is advisable to consult with poultry health experts to develop a tailored vaccination plan that meets the specific needs of the flock.
7. **Culling**
Ducks raised in natural environments like rice fields must be healthy and vigorous. Poorly developed or underperforming ducks should be culled promptly to maintain overall flock health and productivity.
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**Management of Ducks in Rice Fields**
1. **Timing for Field Introduction**
Ducklings should be introduced to the rice field when they are approximately 20 days old and weigh over 100 grams. The rice should be at least 15 days old and transplanted for more than 12 days before introducing the ducks. Adult ducks should be introduced slightly later, about 2–3 days after the ducklings.
2. **Preparation of Feeding Facilities**
Each rice field should be equipped with about 2.5 kg of high-quality nylon netting. Irregular or narrow fields require more netting to ensure secure fencing. A three-finger nylon net should be used around the perimeter to create a secure enclosure. The fence should be 60 cm high, with support poles placed every 1.5–2 meters.
A small duck house (about 10 square meters for every 10 ducks) should be built in the corner of the field. The house should be covered to protect against sun and rain, but it should be well-ventilated on three sides. A water pit twice the size of the house and 50–60 cm deep should be dug nearby for the ducks to swim and cool off.
3. **Field Layout**
High-yield ditches, 35 cm wide and 30 cm deep, should be dug across the field to provide easy access to food sources such as weeds, insects, and aquatic organisms.
4. **Stocking Density**
The recommended stocking density is about 15 ducks per acre. Younger ducks can be stocked slightly more densely, depending on the field's condition.
5. **Feeding Training**
Ducks do not naturally graze during the brooding period. Before releasing them into the field, they should be trained to eat from the ground. Initially, millet can be sprinkled into shallow water to encourage feeding behavior. Over time, this helps form a conditioned response, making the ducks more independent in foraging.
6. **Feeding Schedule**
Each duck should receive 50–100 grams of rice, corn, or other supplementary feed daily. Feeding should be done at fixed times and locations, adjusting the quantity based on the ducks' needs. Moldy or spoiled feed should be avoided to prevent illness.
7. **Grazing Time Arrangement**
Grazing should be scheduled based on temperature and water conditions. On hot days (over 30°C), ducks should not be released until morning or late afternoon to avoid heat stress. Rotating grazing areas prevents overgrazing and ensures optimal use of the field.
8. **Shade and Cooling**
During the summer, ducks need shaded areas to rest and cool down. Shade structures or small pergolas should be placed in the field. High-yield ditches should be filled with water to help ducks regulate body temperature.
9. **Pest Control**
Ducks can assist in controlling pests in the rice field. When pest populations are high, reducing feed intake can encourage ducks to consume more insects and weeds, enhancing the effectiveness of biological pest control.
10. **Post-Harvest Management**
Before harvesting rice, ducks should be confined to the duck house. After harvest, they can be allowed to graze on leftover rice stubble. Ducks can also be trained to gather using specific sounds, making collection easier.
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**Common Duck Diseases and Prevention**
1. **Newcastle Disease**
A vaccine such as the chicken embryo attenuated strain is commonly used for ducklings aged 7 days. A dose of 0.2–0.5 ml per duck is administered subcutaneously. Antibodies are produced within two days and offer protection for meat ducks.
2. **Duck Viral Hepatitis**
For ducklings aged 1–3 days, an embryonized chicken attenuated vaccine is given at 0.5 ml per duck. Antibodies appear within two days and reach peak levels by day five.
3. **Duck Cholera Vaccination**
Several vaccines are available, including live attenuated vaccines like 731, which can be used for ducks over 2 days old. Inactivated oil emulsion vaccines are suitable for ducks over 2 months old, with a dosage of 1 ml subcutaneously. These vaccines provide immunity for 3–6 months.
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**Important Considerations**
1. **Pesticide Use**
Low-toxicity, high-efficiency pesticides should be used to minimize harm to ducks and the environment. Whenever possible, avoid using chemical sprays while ducks are in the field.
2. **Rodent Control**
Duck houses should be constructed to prevent rodent infestation, as rats can spread diseases and damage feed supplies.
3. **Safe Application Periods**
When applying pesticides, ducks should be removed from the field and returned only after the safety interval has passed. Drinking water and paddy water should be separated to prevent contamination.
4. **Contaminated Areas**
Ducks should not be kept in areas where they have previously been exposed to contagious diseases, or where water or rice fields are contaminated with mineral oil or other harmful substances.
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