There are dozens of species of ornamental duck that you can keep. A pair would not only be colourful, but also lively and companionable. Ducks are not very demanding in terms of their day-to-day care. All you have to do is feed them. You will require a clean pond and an enclosed patch of land.

Ornamental ducks cannot survive without a pond. They use the pond not only to swim in and search for food, but also to look after their feathers. You can opt for a ready-made pond or you can create one yourself using pond liner. We recommend that you install a pond pump to provide good circulation. Also make sure that the ducks can go in and out of the water easily. Create a 30-centimetre edge of coarse shingle around the pond to prevent the ducks from taking soil into it. Also place a few goldfish in the pond. Goldfish eat duck faeces, and this is good for the quality and clarity of the water.

Ornamental ducks do not just need water, they also require a patch of land. Make sure this is enclosed using wire mesh. A one-metre high enclosure is sufficient for most species of duck. Also create a number of shelters for the ducks to protect them from danger. You can design your patch of land to include grass, herbs and small trees, but avoid bushes with berries as these may be poisonous to ducks.

How big should the patch of land be?

• Small species of duck (per pair): 2 x 3m 
• Larger species (per pair): 4 x 4m

Most ducks are omnivores. Teurlings has developed a special ornamental water bird feed that provides a good base for their diet. Teurlings also offers a menu that is tailored to ducklings. To enable them to grind their vegetable-based food, they regularly eat little stones. They then use these stomach stones to help them grind the food down in their stomach. Avoid giving ducks too much bread or grain, as they will put on too much weight.

Only buy ducks that have been housed well by the seller. Check whether they look sprightly, lively and healthy. Find out whether the animals have had their wings clipped and been wormed. There are many species to choose from. The easiest duck for beginners is the ringed teal. It is small, stunning, not very demanding, social and inexpensive.

• Most species of duck can be kept as a couple or in a small group of 3 or more couples.
• Mixed groups with several species of duck get along better than groups with just one species.