There are a lot of similarities between ducks and geese but a few important differences to note. Ducks are generally more docile and lay more eggs, while geese are loyal but also can be territorial or even aggressive to strangers. 

Getting Started Checklist

Here’s a checklist to get started raising ducks and geese in the Pacific Northwest. Our mild and wet climate makes it a great place for waterfowl, but you’ll need to ensure their environment is set up for success.

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Planning and Preparation

1. Research Local Regulations:
   • Check zoning laws and animal regulations in your area. Visit our local PNW regulations page
   • Understand rules for pond usage and waste management.
2. Purpose for Raising Waterfowl:
   • Decide if you’re raising them for eggs, meat, slug/bug control, or as pets.
3. Choose Suitable Breeds:
   • Ducks: Pekin, Khaki Campbell, Indian Runner, or Muscovy for eggs/meat.
   • Geese: Toulouse, Embden, or Pilgrim for meat/companionship.

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Housing and Shelter

4. Build a Coop or Shelter:
   • Provide at least 3–4 sq ft per bird in a secure, ventilated coop.
   • Ensure protection from predators like raccoons, coyotes, and hawks.
5. Outdoor Space:
   • Ducks need about 10–15 sq ft of outdoor space per bird.
   • Geese require more room, around 20–25 sq ft each.
6. Water Access for Swimming:
   • Provide a pond, kiddie pool, or water trough for swimming and cleaning. Muscovies and Runners usually don’t require water for swimming.
   • Keep water clean to prevent illness. This will be a regular task.
7. Bedding:
   • Use straw, wood shavings, or sand to keep their living area dry.

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Feeding

8. Balanced Diet:
   • Can use chicken layer feed or all flock poultry feed.
   • Supplement with greens, grains, and insects (ducks love slugs/snails).
9. Fresh Water:
   • Provide clean, fresh water daily for drinking and dunking food.
10. Seasonal Adjustments:
    • Offer extra calories in winter and ensure water doesn’t freeze.

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Health and Hygiene

11. Sanitation:
    • Clean coop and water sources weekly.
    • Manage mud and standing water to avoid parasites or disease.
12. Veterinary Care:
    • Have a vet experienced with waterfowl available for emergencies. Visit our page for local PNW livestock vets
    • Monitor for common issues like bumblefoot or parasites.
13. Preventive Measures:
    • Protect against botulism by removing spoiled food and debris.
    • Provide niacin supplements for ducks (especially younglings).

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Climate Adaptation

14. Rain-Proof Areas:
    • Provide dry, sheltered areas during rainy seasons.
15. Winter Prep:
    • Insulate coop if needed and use heated water bowls to prevent freezing.

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Behavior and Social Needs

16. Group Sizes:
    • Ducks and geese are social animals—keep at least two of each.
17. Compatibility:
    • Keep ducks and geese together if you have enough space, but monitor aggression.
18. Interaction:
    • Spend time handling them as chicks for friendlier adults.

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Other Considerations

19. Pest Control:
    • Implement measures to deter rats and other pests attracted to feed. A barn cat is a great option.
20. Egg Collection:
    • Collect eggs daily to maintain cleanliness and encourage laying.
21. Waste Management:
    • Compost manure for use as fertilizer, ensuring proper composting to avoid burning plants.