**General Management of Ducks**
1. **Ventilation**
In most open duck houses, ventilation is primarily managed based on temperature and humidity levels inside the house. The amount of airflow is controlled by adjusting the number of open windows and doors, as well as the duration they remain open. Windows should be placed high to allow hot air and moisture to escape without directly affecting the ducks. This helps prevent cold drafts and sudden temperature changes that could harm young ducks and hinder their growth.
2. **Stocking Density**
For ducklings, a density of 400 to 1,000 per area is generally acceptable. When raised on the ground, it’s recommended to start with about 20 ducks per square meter in the first week, reduce to 14 in the second week, and no more than 10 after the third week. For raised net systems or combined ground and net setups, the density can be increased by up to one-third, provided proper care is maintained.
3. **Temperature Control**
Ducklings require a stable and suitable temperature for healthy development. During the first 1–3 days, the temperature should be around 28–30°C. It should gradually decrease to 24–26°C during days 4–6, and then to 20–23°C from day 7–10. Afterward, the temperature should be adjusted accordingly. If the indoor temperature drops below 20°C, infrared lamps or electric heating plates can be used. Be cautious to avoid overheating and ensure proper ventilation.
4. **Humidity**
The ideal relative humidity for brooding is between 56% and 70%, similar to the humidity at hatching. This prevents excessive water loss from the ducklings due to dry air, which can affect their overall health and body function.
5. **Lighting**
Young ducks have low feed intake initially. To ensure they get enough time to eat and drink, it's common to provide continuous artificial lighting for the first three days. This encourages them to locate food and water easily. Using dim lights that allow visibility of feed and water is preferable.
6. **Vaccination**
Vaccination schedules vary depending on regional disease prevalence. It's advisable to consult with poultry disease experts to develop an effective immunization plan tailored to local conditions and implement it strictly.
7. **Culling**
Since ducks are often raised in natural environments like rice fields, maintaining a healthy flock is essential. Ducks that are weak, underdeveloped, or not growing properly should be culled promptly to prevent disease spread and ensure the overall health of the flock.
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**Management of Ducks in Rice Fields**
1. **Timing of Field Introduction**
Ducklings should be introduced to the rice field when they are around 20 days old and weigh over 100 grams. The rice should have been transplanted for at least 12 days. Adult ducks may need to be introduced a few days later to allow for better adaptation.
2. **Preparation of Feeding Facilities**
Each rice field should be enclosed with a 2.5 kg nylon net, with extra nets used for irregular or narrow fields. A 60 cm high fence made of three-finger nylon should surround the field to prevent escape. Support poles should be placed every 1.5–2 meters. A small duck house (about 10 square meters for every 10 ducks) should be built, covered to protect from sun and rain, but with three sides open for ventilation. A water pool twice the size of the house, 50–60 cm deep, should be dug nearby.
3. **Feeding Ditches**
High-yield ditches, 35 cm wide and 30 cm deep, should be dug across the field to aid feeding and movement.
4. **Stocking Density**
The recommended stocking density is about 15 ducks per acre, with young ducks possibly allowed to be slightly denser, depending on field conditions.
5. **Feeding Training**
Ducks do not naturally graze during the early stages. Before being released into the field, they should be trained to find food. Start by sprinkling millet in shallow water, allowing them to learn to feed. Over time, this forms a conditioned response, encouraging them to seek food independently.
6. **Feeding Schedule**
Each duck should receive 50–100 grams of rice, corn, or forage daily. Feeding should be done at fixed times and locations, with careful attention to portion sizes to avoid overfeeding or underfeeding. Avoid using moldy or spoiled feed, as well as raw animal products.
7. **Grazing Time Arrangement**
- Grazing should be scheduled based on temperature and water temperature. Avoid putting ducks in the field if the temperature exceeds 30°C, especially in summer. Morning grazing before 9 AM and afternoon grazing when cooler is ideal.
- Rotate grazing areas regularly to avoid overgrazing and maintain field productivity.
- After rice harvest, concentrate grazing on leftover plant material for better utilization.
8. **Shelter and Cooling**
Rice and duck coexistence requires shade for ducks during hot periods. Install shaded branches or small pergolas to keep ducks cool. Fill high-yield ditches with water so ducks can splash and cool down.
9. **Pest Control**
Combine duck grazing with pest control. Monitor pest populations and adjust feed rations accordingly. Reduce feed when pests are abundant to encourage ducks to consume more insects and weeds.
10. **Harvest Preparation**
Before rice is sprayed, move ducks to the duck house. During the milky stage of rice growth, avoid letting ducks access the field to prevent them from eating the grains. Train ducks to gather using specific sounds for easier collection.
11. **Post-Harvest Management**
After harvesting, ducks can be returned home or kept in a field house. Ensure they are well-fed and monitored for health.
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**Common Duck Diseases and Prevention**
Open duck farming in rice fields increases the risk of disease outbreaks. Preventive measures are crucial. Vaccination programs include:
- **Fowl Cholera**: Administer 731 attenuated vaccine to ducks over 2 days old, with a 2 ml intramuscular dose. Repeat after 10 days for 3 months of protection.
- **Duck Viral Hepatitis**: Use embryonized chicken attenuated vaccine at 0.5 ml per duck, subcutaneously injected on days 1–3. Antibodies appear within 2 days.
- **Other Vaccines**: Consult with a veterinarian for region-specific protocols.
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**Important Notes**
- Use low-toxicity, high-efficiency pesticides whenever possible to minimize harm to ducks and the environment.
- Ensure duck houses are rodent-proof.
- During pesticide application, collect ducks from the field and wait for the safety interval before releasing them again. Keep drinking water separate from paddy water to avoid contamination.
- Avoid keeping ducks in areas where diseases have occurred or where water and fields are contaminated.
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