Magpie duck farming is less popular for meat and eggs, rather it is highly popular for exhibition purpose in it’s native area. Although, commercial Magpie duck farming for meat and eggs production can be a profitable business if you can manage everything perfectly.
The Magpie is actually a lightweight breed of domestic duck which was developed in the early 20th Century. It is raised for both exhibition and as a general purpose duck (for meat and eggs production).
The Magpie duck was developed by Oliver Drake and M.C. Gower-Williams in Wales, and the breed is named so for it’s distinctive black and white plumage.
It is also supposed that the Magpie ducks may have been created from the Belgian Huttegem and the Runner duck, mainly because of their size, plumage pattern and somewhat upright carriage.
However, along with exhibition purpose, the Magpie ducks are also good for commercial meat and eggs production purpose. They are great layers and also good as a meat duck. So starting Magpie duck farming commercially can be a very good business idea.
How to Start Magpie Duck Farming Business
Starting Magpie duck farming business is as easy and simple as starting a duck farming business with any other domestic duck breeds. Here we are trying to describe more information about starting and operating a successful Magpie duck farming business from purchasing ducks to caring and marketing.
Purchase Ducks
First of all, try to purchase very good quality, healthy and disease free birds from any of your nearest duck breeding center or any existing farms.
You can start your Magpie duck farming business either with ducklings or with adults depending on the availability and on your budget.
You can ask for help from an expert while selecting and purchasing ducks for your business.
Housing
Making a good, comfortable and safe house for your ducks is important for Magpie duck farming business. Because, a good house not only keeps the ducks healthy, but also helps them to stay free from all types of predators and adverse weather conditions. So, try to make a perfect house for your ducks.
Install good ventilation system inside the house and also ensure flow of sufficient amount of fresh air and light inside the house. And try to make the house in such a way so that you can easily clean the house. As a light breed, a mature Magpie duck will require between 3 and 4 square feet housing space.
Feeding
Feeding the ducks with very good quality and nutritious food is the most important part of Magpie duck farming business. So, you should always try to feed your ducks with enough good quality and nutritious food as per their demand. As a light breed, a mature Magpie duck will require about 120-150 grams of feed daily.
You can feed your ducks either with ready-made/commercial duck feeds or poultry feeds (depending on the availability in your area). And always try to provide your ducks with enough clean and fresh water as per their demand.
Breeding
The Magpie ducks are naturally very good breeders. So, you don’t have to worry much about their breeding. Just keeping a good ratio of male and female duck will be okay for good breeding results. Generally one mature male duck is enough for breeding up to 8 female ducks.
Caring
Along with feeding your ducks with very good quality food and providing them with very good quality shelter, they require additional caring for better growth and good health. So, always try to take good care of your ducks. Vaccinate them timely and if possible keep good contact with a vet in your area.
Marketing
Duck products (both meat and eggs) have very good demand and value in the market. So you don’t have to worry much about marketing your products. You will probably be able to easily sell the products in your local market. Although, setting good marketing strategies is always good for maximum profits.
These are the common ways and steps for starting and operating a successful Magpie duck farming business. Hope this guide has helped you! Good luck & may God bless you!
