I have paddy fields and ponds nearby. Is duck farming worth it for eggs and meat, and can ducks help in the paddy?
Is duck farming with eggs and meat profitable in a paddy area?
TThomas Varghese6mo ago · 193 views
4 Answers
🌾Farmer.in Krishi TeamExpert ✓6mo ago
Ducks suit wet, paddy and pond areas very well, are hardy, and can give both eggs and meat, which makes duck farming a good fit in regions like Kuttanad. Laying breeds such as Khaki Campbell are known for high egg numbers, while other breeds give better meat, and ducks are generally more disease tolerant than chickens. They forage on snails, insects, weeds and fallen grain in ponds and harvested paddy fields, which lowers feed cost and can even help control pests, though you must protect young crops and manage them so they do not damage standing paddy. Provide a simple night shelter for protection and a water source for them to swim and clean themselves. Follow your veterinarian for vaccination, especially against duck plague, and line up a market for eggs before scaling up.
BBiju Kurian6mo ago
Letting ducks into harvested paddy fields cut my feed cost and they ate a lot of snails. Khaki Campbell ducks lay very well. A safe night shed is important against predators here.
RRajan Pillai5mo ago
Only let the ducks into the field after harvest or when the paddy is strong enough, otherwise they trample and eat the young crop. Timed right, they clean up the fallen grain and pests and leave manure behind, which is a real bonus. Get them vaccinated against duck plague through the vet, it can hit hard.
JJoy Mathew5mo ago
Fix your egg market before you scale up. Duck eggs sell well here but you need steady buyers or you are stuck with them. I sell to local shops and for traditional dishes and demand is good. The ducks being hardier than chickens means less disease worry, but the night shelter against predators is a must.