When it comes to where your ducks live, providing enough space is a crucial factor to keep in mind. If your ducks don’t have sufficient room to live comfortably and lay their eggs, it can lead to financial losses.
So, how much space do ducks need? That is not specific. Depending on the duck breed, the space may vary. In general, adult ducks require around 3.5 square feet of space, and egglaying ducks require 5 feet of space. However, baby ducks require a 1 square foot for each of them. Anyway, that was all about indoor spacing. For each adult duck, around 15 – 20 square feet is a must for them to forage.
The answer provided earlier was just an estimate. The space needed for this can vary depending on the age of the subject. To get a more accurate understanding of their space requirements, consider all relevant factors. Continue reading to find a more detailed explanation of the answer.
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How Much Space Do Ducks Need?
Ducks do need around 5 square feet of space indoors. They require at least 18 square feet of space outdoors to roam around. These estimations are general. It may vary depending on the region, weather, and other factors.
However, consider a space around my estimation if you consider raising them. Here’s my estimation.
Indoor Space Requirement for Ducks
Ducks do need indoor space, which might be called a duckhouse, for a variety of reasons. For example, to protect them from adverse weather conditions and predators and a safe place for nesting and roosting, you have to make a duck shelter by making an appropriate enclosure.
The recommended five square feet space allows them to move freely, spread their wings, and engage in basic activities without feeling overcrowded. One thing is that the space may vary depending on the duck species.
For instance, Mallard ducks may require less than 3 square feet, but you can’t minimize the space for more giant ducks like Muscovy.
So, ensure they live in a hygienic environment for which this much space is good enough. So far, the indoor space requirement of ducks, in a nutshell, should be like this.
- For the first 21 days, around a square foot is enough.
- The space should be broader from one month to the second, like 3 square feet for each bird.
- Till four months, the ducks are growing more and more. So, 3.5 feet for each sounds good.
- After that, now is the time for them to lay eggs. They now require around 5 square feet. Because they need to feel comfortable while they’re laying eggs. Plus, they will make a nest for hatching eggs.
Related Reading: How To Make Duck House
However, here is a list of some popular duck species and their required indoor space.
| Duck Species | Approximate Size (inches) | Space Needed (sq. ft. per duck) |
| Mallard | 20-26 | 4-5 |
| Pekin | 26-30 | 5-6 |
| Muscovy | 26-33 | 5-7 |
| Indian Runner | 20-25 | 4-5 |
| Khaki Campbell | 20-22 | 4-5 |
| Rouen | 26-30 | 5-6 |
| Wood Duck | 18-20 | 3-4 |
| Swedish Blue | 18-20 | 3-4 |
Outdoor Space Requirement for Ducks
Outdoor Space is crucial. If you want your ducks to be entertaining, they’ll roam around you, and you have to let them forage, showing their natural behavior.
Ducks are active birds. They do forage as a part of their natural behavior and need room for that. However, this estimation is for ducks that are grown. To be more specific, ducks are more than two months old.
Providing this space (18 – 20 square feet) to ducks outdoors ensures they have enough space to exercise and forage insects and plants. So, keeping them in a comfortable space is essential for their overall well-being.
It doesn’t matter if the duck is big for outdoor space. Because outdoor space is for foraging and roaming. So, you don’t need to think of that if you have a group of muscovy.
How Much Space For Baby Ducks?
1 square foot, or a little more than that. Actually, how much space they need isn’t possible to tell specifically. The number I have mentioned is for each of the ducklings. So, how much space you will need depends on your number of ducklings.
For example, 12.5 square feet for ten ducklings is fine.
How Much Space Do Ducks Require for Swimming?
My answer is it isn’t specific. Just make sure you have a pond near your backyard. So, whenever they go out foraging, they can swim. However, it’s not proved that a pond is necessary for ducks.
However, let’s talk about the swimming space. The waterbody should be around 20 – 25 cm deep. This depth allows ducks to submerge their bodies and heads in the water. They do it to clean their bills. Besides, ducks do not only need water for swimming but also to maintain cleanliness.
Suggested reading: Why is Chlorine Pool Harmful for Ducks?
4 Consequences If the Space Isn’t Enough
If the space isn’t enough, get ready to face the consequences. Here’s my list of consequences if your ducks don’t have enough space.
- Stress and Aggression: Having inadequate space to live is a kind of mental disturbance. Your ducks may become stressed and anxious if they do not have enough space to move. In addition, overcrowding may make them aggressive towards each other – acclaiming the Wildlife Center in Virginia. It could hamper their health by causing fights and injuries.
- Unsanitary Condition: Ducks are messy. So, inadequate space can result in a build-up of waste, leading to an unhygienic environment that can harm them.
- Egg Production Reduction: If your ducks are stressed or if they aren’t feeling comfortable, they will lay fewer eggs. It may hamper your business if you raise them for a commercial purpose.
- Disease Outbreak: Ducks will exhibit abnormal behavior in cramped conditions, such as feather picking. However, they’ll slowly be more susceptible to disease and infections.
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Bottom Line
Now you know how to determine how much space you will need for your ducks. Be mindful of their age and hydration while thinking of buying some ducks. While they’re young, they might require less place.
But while they’re grown up and ready to lay eggs, you have to ensure the space that is ideal for them, around 5 square feet for each duck. Make water available for them Because most of the ducks breed in the water, except for the Indian Runner ducks. For ducklings, the space is around 1 square foot. One more thing: make sure their swimming pool is at least 24 cm deep.
Sources and References:
- https://www.wildlifecenter.org/problem-feeding-ducks
- https://savvyfarmlife.com/do-ducks-need-water/#google_vignette
