Keeping Ducks

Ducks are one of the most rewarding birds you can keep in a British garden or smallholding. They are hardy, wonderfully characterful, superb for slug and snail control, and many breeds out-lay a good hen. They are also wetter and muddier than chickens, which is the one thing every new keeper needs to plan for.

These guides cover the practical side of duck keeping in the UK: choosing the right breed, getting the housing and water right, feeding ducklings safely, and staying on the right side of the registration and avian influenza rules. Start with the beginner's guide below, then work through the topics as your flock grows.