The Farming Diaries

 Raising ducks from the egg stage is a rewarding but delicate process. Whether you're a small-scale farmer, homesteader, or backyard hobbyist, understanding how to properly incubate and care for ducklings from the moment the egg is laid to the day they begin waddling around is essential. This guide will walk you through every step of the journey—from incubation to hatching, brooding, feeding, and early development—ensuring your ducklings grow strong, healthy, and happy. 🥚 Selecting the Right Eggs for Incubation Successful hatching starts with quality eggs. If you're collecting eggs from your own flock, make sure they are fertile and from healthy, well-fed ducks. If buying eggs, source them from a trusted breeder with a history of good hatch rates. Key Factors When Selecting Eggs: Freshness : Eggs should be 1–7 days old for optimal hatchability. Clean but not washed : Gently remove dirt, but don’t wash with water (removes the protective bloom). Shape and size : ...

Raising broiler chickens profitably depends heavily on one key factor — feed . In fact, feed alone can account for up to 70% of the total production cost in a typical broiler farming setup. For many small- to medium-scale poultry farmers, relying on commercial feeds can become a financial burden. Not only are these feeds expensive, but their quality can also be inconsistent. In some cases, they may lack essential nutrients or contain fillers that slow down bird growth or compromise health, ultimately cutting into your profits. The good news? You can take control of your production by formulating your own broiler feed at home . With the right knowledge and ingredients — many of which are locally available and affordable — you can prepare nutritious, balanced feed that supports healthy growth, boosts immunity, and maximizes weight gain in your broilers. Homemade feed also allows you to adjust nutrient levels based on the bird’s age or specific needs, giving you flexibility and cost-effi...