Get Your Ducks in a Row – What You Need to Know Before Bringing Home Ducks

The Ontario SPCA provides a comprehensive guide on the responsibilities of duck ownership. Topics include housing requirements, social needs, diet, and health considerations, emphasizing the commitment needed to care for ducks properly.

The Ontario SPCA and Humane Society emphasizes the importance of understanding the responsibilities involved in caring for ducks before bringing them home. Ducks require a spacious, fenced outdoor area with an insulated coop to protect them from harsh weather and predators. They are social animals that thrive in the company of other ducks and need a specific diet, including scratch grains, insects, and greens.

Due to their love for water, ducks can be quite messy, necessitating frequent cleaning of their living spaces. Prospective duck owners should also ensure access to avian veterinary care, verify local bylaws permitting duck ownership, and be prepared for a commitment, as ducks typically live up to seven or eight years.

Additionally, practicing good hygiene is crucial to prevent the transmission of zoonotic diseases associated with birds.

If unable to continue caring for ducks, it's essential to contact local animal welfare organizations or reputable rescues, as abandoning domestic ducks is inhumane.

Read the full article here: https://ontariospca.ca/blog/get-your-ducks-in-a-row-bringing-home-ducks/