In this blog post, we will talk about how much do ducks cost. We will also provide a list that shows the pricing for different types of ducks, as well as information on how much the prices range. We hope to make it easier for you to find the right duck for your needs!
Ducks are most often maintained on homesteads or in big backyards as egg and meat birds, but they may also be bred as amusing and amiable pets. These charming poultry birds make excellent pets, provided that their owners do not expect them to act like a pet shop bird or a loving cat.
Around Easter, youngsters often choose ducklings as pets. When their darling kid begs for one, parents sometimes struggle to resist the fuzzy little cuties. However, before you open your wallet to spend a few dollars on ducklings, consider the long-term time and financial commitment required to properly care for the duck.
How Much Do Ducks Cost?
The most popular duck breeds for pets Call ducks are priced between $20 and $50, Pekin ducks are priced between $7 and $10, Cayuga ducks are priced between $8 and $20, and Indian Runner ducks are priced between $5 and $8.
Ducks are as affordable to acquire as they are to maintain. Due to the fact that there are about a hundred different duck breeds, it’s difficult to estimate the cost of bringing a duck home.
Generally, ducks, regardless of breed, are sold for between $10 and $30.
Ducks are reasonably priced. If you are fortunate enough to get your preferred duck breed in a nearby neighborhood shop, you will likely save between $5 and $10. As you will need at least one male and one female duck. As a result, anticipate twice the above-mentioned prices.
The narrative does not stop here, since you have just acquired the pair that need raising, and it would be unjust to exclude their monthly care fee.
But, keep in mind to having a duck includes much other expenses as well. Hope this answered you question How Much Do Ducks Cost!
Cost of Purchasing the Ducks/Ducklings
Individual ducklings cost between $5 and $10 apiece, depending on the breed. All ducks discussed in this article are included in the range. However, you cannot get away with purchasing just one duckling. Ducks are gregarious creatures with an established desire to be part of a flock. They need at least a handful of companions.
Also Read, How to Stop Geese From Pooping in Yard?
Unfortunately, when obtaining extremely young animals, there is always a danger that one or two may die soon after purchase, whether from transit stress or an unseen health condition. If you acquire just two or three ducklings, there is a possibility that you may soon have only one. Additionally, ducks do not thrive when left alone. They will either perish in their isolation or seek for another flock to join.
Additionally, since ducklings cannot be readily sexed at such an early age, you have no idea how many males or females you’ll wind up with. Male ducks may be rather aggressive, so you may need to utilize more males for meat shortly after they reach maturity or relocate them, further diminishing your flock.
Keeping this in mind, it’s better to begin by purchasing numerous ducklings.
Purchasing/Building a Brooder for Ducks
Because young ducklings are unable to regulate their body temperature on their own, they need a heat source. Even if you want to start them indoors or in the garage, they will need more heat to live. You’ll need a box with a hot and a cold side to keep them in so they may alternate between the two as required to maintain a suitable body temp. A heat lamp should be put on the warm side to maintain the temperature between 90 and 95 degrees.
You can assemble this complete arrangement yourself for as low as $25, which includes the heat lamp and bulb. Containers should be made of cardboard and should be replaced as soon as the ducklings get them wet and soiled. Most major businesses discard hundreds of boxes everyday and would gladly give you a lot for free if you ask. Newspapers or paper towels may be used as bedding, and old cool whip or butter containers can be used as food and water bowls.
This low-cost solution may need some more work on your side to maintain, but it is incredibly cost effective.
If money is no problem and time is more valuable, you may spend $300-$400 on a high-end, all-inclusive, low-maintenance brooder kit. This is also an excellent alternative if you want to raise ducklings repeatedly since you can reuse materials rather than purchasing new ones on a regular basis. These kits come complete with a thermostatically controlled brood container, feeders, waterers, and bedding.
Duck House Expenses
Duck homes come in an array of styles. Ducks do not need an airtight home to be happy. They genuinely like their homes to be a bit more open.
In many cases, old dog homes and wobbly duck houses are suitable.
If you already have something useful, make the most of it.
A new duck home will cost between $20 and $300, depending on the style and materials available.
I constructed a duck home using pallets that I obtained for free. I spent around $15 on screws and $10 on tin for the roof.
You may also construct one with fresh materials, which will be more expensive.
Alternatively, you may buy one. There are numerous available on Amazon for between $100 and $200 and will hold three to four ducks.
Duck Feed Cost
On Amazon, the cheapest duck feed is 40 pounds for $62. This works out to $1.55 per pound. Consult your local feed shop to see if there are any cheaper alternatives. Some feed retailers sell 50 pound sacks for as cheap as $16, or $0.32 per pound.
One adult duck consumes roughly two pounds of food per week, which equates to little more than eight pounds per duck per month. Thus, a flock of six ducks will use around one 50-lb bag every month.
Water cost
Given that the majority of you believe water is free, why are we incorporating it in any way? While water is free, the power necessary to get it is not. Water costs will range between $4 and $5 for potential duck moms.
Veterinarian cost
Veterinarian care for duck pets is often the least expensive of all fees associated with duck keeping. Pet ducks that have been well-cared for seldom get ill, and even if they do, they rarely need medical attention.
Diapers
Yes, pet ducks do wear diapers inside; although this is unusual, it is extremely beneficial if you keep ducks indoors the majority of the time. It’s all up to you; this expense may be avoided entirely by letting your ducks to wander freely outside. Duck diapers cost between $30 and $40. So if you are wondering How Much Do Ducks Cost now you know the total cost!
Are ducks expensive and hard to keep?
No, they are neither costly nor difficult to maintain. Ducks are very robust and low-maintenance; unlike chickens, they do not get infected every other day.
Ducks are less expensive to keep because they require nothing more than duck-friendly housing, balanced food, water, and space to explore.
How Much Do Ducks Cost?
Ducks are relatively affordable; they cost between $10 and $20. Local pet shops often sell ducks at a significantly lower price, so if you’re considering purchasing a duck from a neighboring store, plan to pay between $5 and $10. Hope now you understand How Much Do Ducks Cost!
References: How Much Do Ducks Cost
- https://farmdesire.com/duck-cost/
- https://savvyfarmlife.com/ducking-owning-cost
- https://familyfarmlivestock.com/cost-of-raising-pekin-ducks-from-duckling-to-2-months-feed-costs-included/
Hope you enjoyed the article How Much Do Ducks Cost!