Duck raising for commercial purposes is a lucrative livestock industry in the Philippines, mainly because of its egg. A duck’s most important product, its incubated egg, popularly known as balut, is a Filipino favorite that has gained international notoriety.
Balut is peddled and sold daily all over the country and is famous for its tasty flavor and nutritious value. It is widely consumed by Filipinos and also exported to Filipino communities abroad.
Because of this strong demand, duck production has become one of the most important poultry industries in the country.
According to the Philippine Statistics Authority, duck egg production reached 13.70 thousand metric tons in the third quarter of 2022, up from 12.02 thousand metric tons in the same period the previous year, representing a 13.9% growth.
Most duck egg production in the Philippines comes from:
- Central Luzon – about 51.2% of total national production
- Western Visayas
- Northern Mindanao
Recent poultry reports also indicate that duck production continues to grow in many regions due to increasing demand for balut, salted eggs, and duck meat.
Advantages of Ducks Over Chickens
Unsure if duck production is better than raising chicken? Consider the advantages of ducks over chickens:
- Ducks are stronger and more resistant to diseases than chickens.
- Ducks require less attention and management.
- Ducks are larger, providing more meat when raised for meat production.
- Duck eggs are larger than chicken eggs.
- Ducks can thrive on natural food sources and do not always require expensive feed.
- Ducks eat insects, plants, and freshwater snails.
Because of these advantages, many farmers integrate duck farming with rice farming, where ducks help control pests such as golden apple snails.
Types of Ducks Raised in the Philippines
1. Native Ducks / Itik
The native Pateros duck, commonly called itik, is the most widely raised duck in the Philippines. Although smaller than imported breeds, they are good egg layers and are commonly used for balut production.
The itik usually has black and gray feathers. Some are barred (bulek), while others are brown or mixed with white and greenish feathers.
Males have heavier bodies and curly feathers on their tails. Females have flatter tails and produce the eggs used for balut.
2. Khaki Campbell Duck
The Khaki Campbell duck is one of the best egg-laying ducks in the world.
- Can lay up to 300 eggs per year
- Egg weight: 70–75 grams
- Very active and adaptable
This breed is widely used in commercial egg production because of its high productivity.
3. Commercial Hybrid Duck
The world’s first hybrid egg-type duck was developed at Cherry Valley Farms in England.
- Lays eggs at around 20 weeks
- Average egg production: 285 eggs up to 72 weeks
- Average body weight: 1.5 kg
This duck is characterized by its pure white feathers and large eggs.
4. Indian Runner
The Indian Runner duck originated from Southeast Asia and is known for its upright posture and excellent egg production.
Adult weight:
- Male: about 2.1 kg
- Female: about 1.8 kg
5. Muscovy Duck / Pato
The Muscovy duck is a large breed raised mainly for meat production.
It has distinctive red caruncles around its face and is known for being a good forager.
Muscovy ducks hatch their eggs naturally in about 33–35 days.
Pekin Duck
The Pekin duck is a meat-type duck originating from China.
- Fast growth
- Market-ready in 2–3 months
- Adaptable to Philippine climate
Housing Your Ducks
Duck housing is relatively simple and inexpensive compared to other poultry.
- Build housing in a quiet, cool location near water.
- Provide 3–4 square feet of floor space per duck.
- Use rice hulls, corn cobs, or peanut hulls as bedding.
- A house for 100 ducks can measure around 4 x 4 meters.
- A pond can be provided but is not necessary for egg production.
- Separate ducks by age to prevent competition.
Selection and Mating Methods
- Select healthy breeders at about 8 weeks and again at 4–5 months.
- Eggs for hatching should come from ducks at least 7 months old.
- Drakes should be the same age or slightly older than the ducks.
- Maintain a ratio of 1 drake for every 6–10 ducks.
- Pateros ducks begin laying at 4–6 months.
Hatching of Eggs
Duck eggs hatch after 28 days, except Muscovy eggs which hatch in 30–35 days.
Most egg-laying ducks do not brood their eggs, so farmers use incubators or traditional incubation systems used in balut production known as balutan.
Feeding Practices
- Starter feed (0–6 weeks): about 21% protein
- Grower feed (6 weeks–4 months): about 16% protein
- Layer feed for adult ducks: about 16% protein
Ducks can also eat:
- Freshwater snails
- Boiled rice or palay
- Kangkong and leafy vegetables
- Rice bran
Provide clean water at all times since ducks drink frequently while eating.
Startup Cost for Duck Farming (100 Ducks)
| Item | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| 100 ducklings | ₱5,000 – ₱7,000 |
| Housing materials | ₱8,000 – ₱15,000 |
| Feed (first 3 months) | ₱12,000 – ₱18,000 |
| Feeders and waterers | ₱2,000 – ₱3,000 |
| Medicine and miscellaneous | ₱2,000 – ₱3,000 |
Total estimated startup capital: ₱29,000 – ₱46,000
Estimated Profit from Duck Egg Production
A laying duck can produce about 200–300 eggs per year.
Example for 100 ducks:
- Average eggs per day: 70
- Monthly production: about 2,100 eggs
- Farmgate price per egg: ₱10–₱12
Estimated monthly revenue:
2,100 eggs × ₱10 = ₱21,000
After feed and operating costs, estimated profit may reach:
₱8,000 – ₱12,000 per month
Profit can increase if eggs are processed into:
- Balut
- Salted eggs
- Processed egg products
Maintaining Health and Preventing Diseases
Ducks are more resistant to diseases than chickens, but proper management is still necessary.
- Maintain clean housing and dry bedding.
- Provide balanced nutrition.
- Ensure clean water supply.
- Isolate sick birds immediately.
- Follow vaccination and biosecurity practices.
Conclusion
Duck raising in the Philippines offers several advantages including strong market demand for balut, lower maintenance requirements, and the ability of ducks to forage for food.
With proper housing, feeding, breeding, and disease management, duck farming can provide a stable and profitable livelihood for small farmers and commercial producers.
FAQ: Duck Raising Business in the Philippines
1. Is duck raising profitable in the Philippines?
Yes, duck raising can be profitable due to strong demand for itlog na maalat, balut, and duck meat. Profitability depends on feed management, breed selection, and maintaining healthy laying performance.
2. What duck breeds are best for egg production?
The most common egg-laying breeds are Khaki Campbell and Philippine Mallard (Pateros duck). These breeds are hardy, adaptable to local conditions, and capable of producing 200–300 eggs per year.
3. How much capital is needed to start a small duck raising business?
A small starter flock of 20–50 ducks typically requires ₱10,000–₱40,000 for housing, feeders, drinkers, fencing, and initial feed. Costs increase with larger flocks or more advanced housing systems.
4. What type of housing do ducks need?
Ducks need a well-ventilated shelter with dry bedding, protection from predators, and access to clean water. Simple bamboo or wood housing is enough for small farms as long as it stays dry and clean.
5. What do ducks eat and how much feed do they need?
Ducks eat commercial layer feeds, rice bran, kitchen scraps, snails, and greens. A laying duck consumes around 120–150 grams of feed per day. Proper nutrition is essential for consistent egg production.
6. How long before ducks start laying eggs?
Most duck breeds begin laying at 5–6 months of age. Peak production occurs between 7–18 months, depending on breed and feed quality.
7. What are the common diseases in duck raising?
Common issues include duck viral hepatitis, fowl cholera, and parasitic infections. Clean housing, proper vaccination, and regular sanitation help prevent disease outbreaks.