Storey's Guide to Raising Ducks by Dave Holderread

Book Title: Storey's Guide to Raising Ducks
Subtitle: Breeds * Care * Health
Author: Dave Holderread
Genre: Animals
ISBN: 978-1-60342-692-3
Publisher: Storey Publishing
Suggested Retail Price: $19.95

From the book:

A perfect choice for many farmers, ducks produce eggs and meat efficiently, thrive in inclement weather, help control insect and snail populations, and they're also entertaining and beautiful.  From selecting the breed that's right for you to rearing, housing and caring for your birds, Storey's Guide to Raising Ducks provides the essential advice and practical know-how you need to keep a thriving flock.
******************
Storey's Guide to Raising Ducks is a wonderful introductory reference book for those who are considering raising ducks and those who already have ducks.  For the newbie, this book will explain how to choose the breed that's right for you based on your space, location, noise requirements, availability of a pond or waterway, etc.

Storey's Guide to Raising Ducks also introduces the reader to duck anatomy and behavior.  It also offers a helpful breed profile so you can choose the correct breed.  It discusses not only standard breeds but bantams as well for those that want a smaller bird. Each breed section offers information about the species, helpful pictures, varieties and information on selecting showbirds that's helpful for those interested in showing their birds.  The book also has a very interesting section on understanding duck coloring  for those interested in selecting for certain color characteristics.

The book also offers information on incubating ducks if you'd like to try hatching your own ducks eggs.  I was quite impressed with the detail in this chapter.  Incubation is a very exact science and this offers step by step instructions with helpful information on humidity, temperature, ventilation, etc. There are also basic guidelines for rearing ducklings once they've hatched.

The chapter on managing adult ducks is loaded with helpful information including house, predators, fencing, water, feeding, their  laying habits and even how to sex mature ducks. The chapter on health and physical problems is a great resource to have around when one of your flock isn't acting properly.  You can also find information on symptoms of vitamin and mineral deficiencies.  If you're interested, there is also a chapter on butchering and recipes.  I'm going to pretend that information isn't there since our ducks are our friends but you may want to refer to it.  All in all, a very helpful reference book to have around.

My thanks to the sponsor for allowing me to review this book.

As required by the FTC: I received a product sample in order to write my review.  I received no monetary compensation.  All opinions expressed are mine and mine alone.