Poultry

How Much Does A Duck Cost? Upkeep & Raising Cost

How Much Does A Duck Cost?

How Much Does A Duck Cost? When embarking on raising ducks, it’s essential to consider the initial cost of purchasing these feathered companions and the ongoing upkeep expenses. Taking care of ducks demands time and financial investment but rewards you with delightful quacks and charming waddles around your backyard.

With proper planning and commitment, raising ducks can be a fulfilling and enjoyable experience that enriches your daily life with their playful nature and endearing antics.

Consider building a suitable living environment that offers ample space to roam freely while protecting them from predators.

How Much Does A Duck Cost? Ducks can vary in price depending on the breed and age, ranging from $5 to $50 per duck, Pekin $7 to $10, Cayuga $8 to $20, and Indian Runner duck from $5 to $8.  

How Much Does it Cost to Get One Duck?

Ducks are as inexpensive to get as inexpensive to keep. There are many kinds of ducks, so it’s hard to tell how much you would have to pay to bring a duck home. 

The initial purchase price of a duckling typically ranges from $5 to $20, with rare breeds or exotic species potentially costing more. 

Ducks are not that expensive. If you can get your favorite duck breed from the nearby store, you would probably save $5 to $10.

How Much Ducks Cost to Keep?

When it comes to keeping ducks as pets, the costs can vary depending on a few factors. Setting up a proper living environment for ducks can incur costs, such as purchasing or building a suitable coop or enclosure, ranging from $100 to $500. There is an interesting variety of duck breeds with beautiful black and white plumage in poultry farming. 

Feeding cost

As a duck owner, one of the significant expenses to consider is the feeding cost. Ducks have a varied diet that includes grains, vegetables, and insects. Unlike chickens, ducks require more protein for proper feather growth and overall health. 

The pet duck normally eats chicken feed, greens, grains, vegetables, mealworms, cracked corn, birdseed, peas, etc.

The feeding expenses for ducks can vary depending on the type of feed you choose to provide them. For instance, a 50-pound bag of commercial duck feed typically ranges from $15 to $30, which can add up quickly if you have a sizable flock of ducks.

Water cost

Most of you might think water is free; why are we including it in any way? Water is free, but the electricity that gives access to water is not. The aspiring duck parents can expect $4 to $5 as water costs.

Veterinarian cost

The cost of veterinary care for ducks can vary depending on the type of service needed, such as routine check-ups, vaccinations, or emergency treatment. The special thorough check-up can be expected to make you pay around $20 to $30

Duck owners must budget for these expenses to provide the best possible care for their feathery companions.

Diapers

The cost of ducks’ diapers can vary depending on various factors such as the brand, size, material, and quality. Some duck owners opt for reusable, washable diapers to save money in the long run, while others prefer disposable options for easier maintenance. Duck diapers can cost you around $30 to $40.

Duck babysitting cost

When it comes to duck babysitting, the cost can vary depending on several factors. The location of the service, the duration of care needed, and the specific requirements of the ducks all play a role in determining the total cost.

Many professional pet sitters also offer services for ducks, and their rates can range from $15 to $30 per hour.

Some services may charge an extra fee for tasks, such as cleaning the duck enclosure or providing special dietary needs.

One-Time Cost to Raise Ducks

When it comes to raising ducks, certain one-time costs should be considered. These costs primarily include building the necessary infrastructure, such as housing, bedding, duck feeders, water, brooders, and nesting boxes.

Housing

Regarding housing ducks, the cost can vary depending on the type of shelter you choose. Building a custom duck house can be more expensive upfront but may provide better protection from predators and harsh weather conditions in the long run. 

The duck house with additional flooring, bedding, ventilator, and enter and exit door can be built for up to $100.

Feeding and water pots

Feeders and waterers are mandatory to give ducks a luxurious lifestyle.

Ducks need access to clean water at all times as they use it not only for drinking but also for grooming and maintaining healthy feathers.

The average feeders and waterers can be bought for $30 to $40 and $30 to $50.

Brooder Cost for ducks

When it comes to raising ducks, one of the essential investments is a brooder to provide the optimal environment for young ducklings. The cost of setting up a brooder for ducks can vary depending on the size and materials used. 

A simple brooder can be created using a plastic container or cardboard box, which may only cost a few dollars for more durable and larger brooders made from wood or metal.

The cost can range from $50 to $200.

Nesting box

Ducks are known for their clever nesting habits, with nesting boxes proving a popular choice among duck owners. It is important to place the nesting boxes in a quiet and secluded area to ensure the ducks feel safe and secure while laying their eggs.

The nesting box can be bought online in exchange for a price between $28 to $35.

If you want different duck colors, read this article: 7 Black and White Duck Breeds.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are ducks expensive and hard to keep?

Ducks can be both expensive and challenging to keep as pets. While the initial cost of purchasing ducks may not be too high, the expenses increase quickly with the need for proper shelter, food, and veterinary care. 

Ducks are cheaper to raise as they need nothing extra other than duck-friendly housing, balanced food, water, and an area to roam around.

How much can I expect to pay for a duck?

When purchasing a duck, the price range can vary depending on various factors such as the breed, age, and purpose of the duck. A pet duck typically ranges from $10 to $50.

What do pet ducks eat?

Pet ducks have a varied diet that includes grains, vegetables, fruits, and insects. While many assume ducks primarily eat bread, this is not the best choice for their health. You can feed rice, cheese, cat food, and dog food.

In brief, a pair of ducks can cost around $150 to $200 in the first month, whereas the upkeep would not exceed $50 to $60 for the rest of the months. 

Related Articles

Leave a Reply

Back to top button