Ducks and geese: breeds and planning

In short

• Ducks are for eggs, slugs and quick meat; geese for grazing, meat, fat, feathers and guarding the yard.
• Keep at least 3 ducks or 2–3 geese. Waterfowl do not do well alone.
• They need water they can dip their whole head in. A pond is optional, a dipping tub is not.
• Geese live 15–20 years: a breeding flock is a long-term purchase, table birds are for one season.
• House, fence and water must be finished before you bring the first birds home.
• Waterfowl matter especially for bird flu: check your duties with APHA, DAFM or your state veterinarian.

What's inside

Chapters

1. What you want from waterfowl
2. Ducks: breeds and types
3. Geese: breeds and types
4. How many birds
5. Drake and gander: yes or no
6. Buying: from whom and what kind of birds
7. What must be ready before the first bird
8. Space, water and neighbours
9. Ducks and geese in the homestead loop
10. Paperwork and duties
11. Cost and the first-year plan
12. Common mistakes
13. Printable checklist

Worksheets

• Flock calculator
• Start-up cost, feed and water
• Comparing breeds and sellers
• Flock record
• First-year plan