Advice on Bird Rearing

Aylesbury ducks can be fattened and also kept for egg laying. They can be processed for meat when 7-8 weeks old. Between weeks 9-14 they get a new set of feathers and plucking is difficult. From weeks 14-17 heavier weights are achieved with males achieving weights of 10-12 lbs and heavier and females from 9-11 lbs. After week 17 birds move to a reproduction mode and with good management, egg laying will commence by week 30.

Feeding

For good results correct feeding is important. A chick starter crumb that is suitable for ducks (e.g. Red Mills Chick Starter) should be fed ad-lib for the first 2-3 week. Then the protein needs are reduced and a grower pellet diet is sufficient.

• Keep food and water at a distance from the heat source.
▪ Always ensure that water is available with food.
▪ Ducks fir fattening by week 8 should have food available ad-lib for best results. After week 8 the growth rate slows down and food conversion is not as efficient.
▪ A 250-watt infra-red lamp suspended 15 inches above the bedding, will provide heat for 50-60 day old ducklings. Gradually raise the heating lamp when weaning off heat, A hardboard surround will keep out draughts.
▪ Fattening ducks grow twice as fast as chickens and sufficient space should be allowed.
▪ Ducklings can be reared on straw, wood shaving or on wire mesh (i/2 inch). Straw is very satisfactory from day 1 provided a clean supply is maintained

For more advice on the rearing of ducklings, get in contact with Ballyrichard Duck And Goose Hatchery today.
0862099768 / 040232384

• Geese are excellence grazers and do well on rough land
• No elaborate housing is needed but the birds need adequate shelter against sun and storms.
• Geese seldom suffer from diseases bit proper fix protection is advisable
• 40-50 adult geese per acre.
• Be aware that persistent use of the same land can lead to gizzard worm.

Care Of Goslings

• Goslings need heat from when they are a day old to 1-2 weeks old.
• Gosling should be kept on grass but should not be allowed to become wet.
• A 250-watt, infra-red lamp will brood 30 – 40 goslings.
• Suspend lamp 15 inches above litter and gradually raise when weaning off heat.
• A surround of hardboard will keep out draughts.
• Straw should be used as bedding.
• During weeks 3 and 4 Goslings should not be given water at night. Goshlings should not be given water between 9:00 pm to 8:00 am.

Feeding

• Use a good goose, duck or a recommended ration for the young Goslings
• Make flint grit or sea gravel available to assist digestion
• When on grass reduce compound feed gradually. A small amount of corn or pellets can be fed once a day in the evening,
• Plenty of good, short grass should be available
• If penned do not keep in lots of more than 200 and move pens as necessary
• Swimming water may be allowed in early months but not during the finishing period

Finishing

• Allow 6 – 8 weeks to finish depending on condition
• Keep as quiet as possible, preferably with the same person attending them
• Finish with ad-lib feed in a cattle yard or similar housing or on reduced grazing area.
• Only natural daylight should be available when finishing.

For more information on Gosling raising, get in contact with Ballyrichard Duck And Goose Hatchery today.
0862099768 / 040232384