Welcome to the F.A.Q. page. Many of your questions should be able to be answered right here, but if not, please click the Contact Me link. For a quicker way of answering your questions, I have made this Quick Reference. Just click on a question to jump to it.
How do I tell what sex they are?
What do they eat?
What does domestic mean?
What is salmonella?
Q: How do I tell what sex they are?
A: In most colored breeds, like Mallards, the colorations are completely different and show up in the late Juvenile stage. But for breeds in which males' and females' colorations are the same or close, you can tell by what is called a sex feather. All male species of ducks develop a tail feather or two that curve up like a cowlick. The females do not have this feature, and there you have it!
Q: What do they eat?
A: In the wild, ducks eat many different things. I have seen them eat grass and many types of bugs, especially beetles. While on the water, they will stick their head straight down and dabble along the bottom of the pond, lake, or whatever. They will then use their beak to look for and eat aquatic plants, insects, or whatever else they can find. Ducks can forage 15%-100% of their own diet. When you have them as pets, it be the best if you feed them. If you are in a more rural area, with lots of wildlife and plant growth, the adults will perfectly fine without any extra care from you, but to help support them and promote their well-being, you should occasionally toss some feed to them. Note: When you do this, please do it somewhere where you don't mind having a lot of duck poop. When you are raising ducklings, the most practical thing to feed them is some type of poultry feed. Purina makes Chicken Starter and Turkey Starter. Also, adult ducks like corn, especially when mixed with their regular food. These can be purchased from your local feed store. I prefer Turkey Starter over Chick Starter because it has more protein and is simply better for them. ATTENTION: Ducks must have water to digest their food. Also, after a certain period, ducks will start to "choke" on their food. If drinking water is not available, then your duck has a serious problem. If your duck doesn't have water, then DO NOT let it eat food. If you want to give your ducks a wonderful treat, then here is what you do-Take them to somewhere well lit at night, when there are a lot of beetles, mole crickets, and moths are out. Let them walk around amongst the insects. When they see a bug move, they will immediately "attack" it. It's pretty funny behavior to watch, the ducks love it, and it is also very healthy for them because of the fact that bugs are loaded with protein.
Q: What does domestic mean?
A: Most people domesticate animals for business, such as for eggs, meat, feathers, etc. If you domesticate something, you pretty much tame it. "domesticate 1.To tame. 2. To civilize. 3. To cause to feel at ease or at home."-Funk & Wagnalls Standard Desk Dictionary
Q: What is salmonella?
A: I researched it and found a few pages. It is known that the disease salmonella can in fact be carried by ducks. To find out more, try the following links: About-salmonella.com or The Utah State Salmonella Page.
I really need your help on this page! If you have ANY questions at all, please don't hesitate to ask. You won't ever know anything if you don't ask.