Commercial East Indies duck farming is a less popular business. It is a very beautiful breed of domestic duck and it is mainly raised for ornamental purposes or as pets. And the breed is best known for it’s size and it’s striking appearance.
Despite the name ‘East Indies’, the breed was not developed in the Southeast Asia. Rather the breed was developed in the United States in the 19th Century, and it is one of the oldest breed of bantam duck.
The name (East Indies) of this breed possibly only being used to help for selling the birds. Because exotic and foreign poultry breeds were very popular in the United States and could command a better price.
Exact origins of these ducks are not clear. Some people say the East Indies duck could have been developed from a Northern Mallard Sport duck. While others say that the black gene of these birds may have arrived from the American black duck.
Whatever the explanation, the breed is very popular among the breeders due to it’s smaller size and striking plumage. And the breed is largely kept by the poultry fanciers for exhibition purpose.
However, commercial East Indies duck farming for selling exhibition and pet ducks can be a good business if you can market your ducks perfectly. Exhibition and pet ducks have very good demand and value in some areas.
How to Start East Indies Duck Farming Business
The East Indies ducks are smaller in size, but they are very strong and hardy birds. So starting a commercial East Indies duck farming business will be much easier.
Here we are trying to describe more information about starting a commercial East Indies duck farming business from purchasing ducks to caring and marketing.
Purchase Ducks
Purchasing very good quality, healthy and disease free birds is very important for starting East Indies duck farming business.
You can purchase these ducks from any existing farms or any duck breeding centers in your area (if there is any).
You can also search your local online classified websites. Ask for help from an expert while choosing and purchasing the birds, if you are a beginner.
Photo: Daniel Sörensen
Housing
Making a good and suitable house is important for East Indies duck farming business. Because, a good house not only helps the birds to stay healthy but also helps them to stay free from all types of predators and adverse weather conditions. So try to make a good, safe and comfortable house for your ducks.
Install good ventilation system while building the house, and ensure flow of sufficient amount of fresh air and light inside the house. And make the house in such a way so that you can easily clean the house.
As a smaller sized breed, a mature East Indies duck will require around 2-4 square feet housing space. But arranging more housing space per bird will help them to stay healthy and grow better.
Feeding
Feeding the birds with very good quality and nutritious food is the most important part of East Indies duck farming business. So, always try to feed your ducks with enough good and nutritious food.
You can either feed your ducks with ready-made/commercial duck feed or poultry feed depending on the availability in your area.
As a smaller sized breed, a mature duck will require around 100 grams of food daily. And always provide your ducks with enough clean and fresh water as per their demand.
Breeding
The East Indies ducks very good breeders, just like many other domestic duck breeds. In most cases they will breed easily and produce fertile eggs if you keep good ratio of male and female ducks. Generally one mature male duck is enough for breeding 8-10 female ducks.
Caring
The East Indies ducks are generally shy in nature and have a quiet composure. But they are relatively strong and hardy birds. So, they generally require less caring and other management. Although, taking additional caring will ensure good growth and also good health of the birds.
So, always try to take good care of your ducks. Never feed them polluted feeds or contaminated water. Always try to keep their house clean. Vaccinate them timely and keep good contact with a vet in your area.
Marketing
Consider this factor before starting East Indies duck farming business. Consider whether exhibition or pet ducks have good demand and value in your area or not.
If you can easily sell the ducks, then you can go with this breed. But if you can’t easily sell exhibition or pet ducks in your area, then you should consider other duck breeds for raising commercially.
These are the common ways and steps for starting and operating a successful East Indies duck farming business. Hope this guide has helped you! Good luck & may God bless you!
