The Beginner’s Duck Keeping Handbook

Welcome to the wonderful, messy, and endlessly rewarding world of pet ducks! If you’re here, you’re likely considering adding some feathered friends to your family, or perhaps you’ve just brought your first ducklings home. I’m Melanie, and I started Ducks of Providence to be the resource I wish I had when I first started my journey. This handbook is designed to take you from ‘curious observer’ to ‘confident owner.’ We’ll walk through the honest pros and cons of duck keeping, explore which breeds fit your lifestyle, and give you the step-by-step essentials for raising healthy, happy ducks from day one.

Jump to: Before Getting Ducks | Breeds | Raising Ducklings

Ducks of Providence is free, thanks to reader support! Ads and affiliate links help us cover costs—if you shop through our links, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thanks for helping keep our content free and our ducks happy! 🦆 Learn more

Before You Get Ducks

Before you buy that first brooder or pick out names, there are a few things every future duck parent needs to know. Ducks are incredible companions, but they are also a 10-to-15-year commitment that involves specific legal, financial, and logistical needs. In this section, I’m pulling back the curtain on the ‘unfiltered’ side of duck keeping, including the costs, the common myths, and even the reasons why ducks might not be the right pet for everyone. My goal is to help you make an informed decision so that when you do bring ducks home, you’re prepared for the reality (and the poop!).

How Much do Ducks Cost?
Everything you should know before getting ducks

Breed Guides

Not all ducks are created equal! From the upright, energetic Indian Runner to the calm and heavy Silver Appleyard, every breed brings a different personality and purpose to the backyard. Whether you are looking for a champion egg layer, a quiet garden companion, or a stunningly beautiful ornamental bird, these breed guides are here to help you choose. I break down the temperaments, egg-laying stats, and care requirements for over a dozen breeds to help you find the perfect match for your flock’s ‘vibe.

Duck Breed Comparison
Breed Overview
All Duck Breeds

Raising Ducklings

There is nothing quite as magical as the ‘peep-peep’ of a new duckling, but those first few weeks are also their most vulnerable time. Successful duckling care requires precise temperature control, specific nutrition, and a safe brooder setup. In this section, I guide you through the entire process, from the science of incubation and the excitement of hatch day to the critical first 48 hours and beyond. These guides are designed to help you navigate the ‘baby stage’ with ease, ensuring your ducklings grow into strong, hardy adults.

Melanie the face behind this website

Guided by Experience, Rooted in North Texas. I remember exactly what it felt like to be where you are. Excited, a little overwhelmed, and searching for honest answers. When I started Ducks of Providence, my goal was to create the roadmap I wish I’d had. Over the years, I’ve navigated everything from the first ‘peep’ in the brooder to the complex logistics of backyard duck life. As a scientist and dedicated duck mom, I combine research-backed facts with the practical ‘lessons learned’ from my own flock to help you start your journey with confidence. We’re in this together. Read our full story