Orchard duck farming, when combined with fruit tree cultivation, creates a mutually beneficial system that lowers planting costs and boosts economic returns. This method not only enhances productivity but also promotes ecological balance. Here are the key technical aspects to consider:
The best time for restocking ducks in an orchard depends on the availability of natural feed. Ducks can be divided into two main periods: the active grazing season and the resting period. The ideal time for stocking is during the peak growth phase of both plants and animals, typically from mid-April (before Qingming to before the Rain of Grain) until the end of October. During this time, the orchard is rich in grass, fallen leaves, fruits, and insect eggs, providing ample food sources for the ducks. Adult ducks can be kept in the orchard all year round.
Ducks are naturally ground-dwelling and do not damage trees, making them ideal for low-intensity grazing in orchards. Orchards with good soil and water conditions—such as apple, pear, apricot, hawthorn, persimmon, and walnut trees with tall or mature trunks—are suitable for duck stocking. Ducks help control weeds while their droppings act as natural fertilizer, improving soil quality. This practice is particularly effective in transforming overgrown, unproductive, or pest-infested orchards into high-quality, high-yield ones.
Stocking density should be carefully managed based on the size of the ducks and the condition of the orchard. Overstocking can lead to resource depletion and stress on the ducks. A general guideline is to keep 20 to 30 ducks per mu of land, which translates to about 2,000 to 3,000 ducks for 100 mu of orchard.
Supplementary feeding is essential during the restocking period to ensure the ducks receive adequate nutrition. Ducklings are usually introduced at four weeks of age and initially raised in cages. They should be fed twice daily—once in the morning and once in the evening—to meet energy needs. Feed amounts should be adjusted based on the ducklings’ activity and appetite, following the principle of "half-full" feeding in the morning. As they grow, feeding can be adjusted depending on whether they are consuming weeds, wild vegetables, or insects. At night, after returning to the shed, additional feed should be provided, along with clean drinking water. Before spring stocking, young ducks must be acclimated gradually to outdoor conditions to reduce stress and improve survival rates.
Disease prevention is crucial in duck farming. Following the principle of “prevention first,†regular vaccinations and health checks should be carried out to avoid outbreaks. Maintaining clean living conditions and monitoring duck behavior can significantly reduce the risk of illness.
When spraying pesticides in the orchard, it's important to avoid using highly toxic chemicals that could harm the ducks. Instead, use low-toxicity, high-efficiency pesticides or diluted fungicides. During spraying periods, ducks should be confined within fences to prevent accidental poisoning. It is also advisable to keep ducks away from the area for 3 to 5 days before reintroducing them. During this time, supplementary feeding should be increased to support their nutritional needs.
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