Books and resources on raising ducks for meat and eggs

I recently read "Raising Ducks for Beginners and Beyond: The Guide to Breeds, Ponds, Nutrition, and All Things Duck". We are considering adding some ducks to our homestead. We currently have 15 laying hens, 1 rooster, meat rabbit breeders and we tractor broilers and rabbit grow outs.

I did not realize, when I purchased it, that this book was written more for keeping ducks as pets. For example, it talks about finding a duck veterinarian, rehousing when you have too many drakes, etc.

I would not be willing to take any of my poultry or rabbits to a vet. If I can't treat it, I will dispatch and consume or compost depending on the issue. I may be willing to call a vet to get some advice but would more than likely post the issue here.

Does anyone have a recommendation on resources for raising ducks for eggs and meat and that would have butchering info? I will read piecemeal articles or a single book, whatever the recommendations are.

I want to mention that one of the reasons we raise our own food is to give these animals a happy and as close to natural life as possible verses buying grocery CAFO products. However, at the end of the day, we do not raise them to be pets and they ultimately provide our nutritional needs.

Hi Josh,
Could I recommend "The Duck Chronicles" by Jack Spirko? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2F1YJi-6ygk&list=PLpHUZsnFSzdLq6vPE3MaDpBrUzvyhrpbm

I think that is the playlist. If not, just search for "Duck Chronicles Jack Spirko" on youtube. He follows the ducks from when he first receives them in the mail.

Storey's Guide to Raising Ducks by Dave Holderead is comprehensive and right up your alley.

Ducks seem to easily maintain good health with a little care. I can't imagine taking one to a vet.

Matt McSpadden wrote:Hi Josh,
Could I recommend "The Duck Chronicles" by Jack Spirko? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2F1YJi-6ygk&list=PLpHUZsnFSzdLq6vPE3MaDpBrUzvyhrpbm

I think that is the playlist. If not, just search for "Duck Chronicles Jack Spirko" on youtube. He follows the ducks from when he first receives them in the mail.

Great, thank you and I will take a look!

Jake Esselstyn wrote:Storey's Guide to Raising Ducks by Dave Holderead is comprehensive and right up your alley.

Ducks seem to easily maintain good health with a little care. I can't imagine taking one to a vet.

Okay, great. I saw the book that I read was recommended on another thread and now that you mention this one, it is ringing a bell. I will read it. Thank you for the recommendation.

I apologize because I do not have a specific recommendation BUT I wanted to let you know that Permies actually has a grid of Book Reviews on a variety of topics.

You may find some guidance perusing some books there.

Timothy Norton wrote:I apologize because I do not have a specific recommendation BUT I wanted to let you know that Permies actually has a grid of Book Reviews on a variety of topics.

You may find some guidance perusing some books there.

I have that list bookmarked and the book I referenced in the thread was found through that and I read the reviews on it here. The book list has been a good resource so far.