If you’re considering getting a survival animal, you need to read these 8 reasons to have ducks!
Many preppers have a plan and preparations in place for when SHTF. They’ve got a stockpile of food, water, survival tools, and other supplies. They might even have a survival garden to eat fresh produce from in an emergency (and in everyday life). However, one factor that many preppers don’t consider is that of a survival animal.
Animals can prove to be an excellent asset to your survival strategy. Some provide companionship, while others hunt, protect, and even provide food for you and your family.
The trick with survival animals is being able to find the right one. Horses and cows, although very useful, can take up way too much space – especially if you have to travel. They’re also enormous, and can be very expensive to both purchase and to maintain health-wise.
Dogs are also wonderful to have as survival companions. However, you have to go through the trouble, energy and expenditure of training them for them to be truly effective. In addition, you likely don’t want to eat your dog (unless you’re in really dire straights). So, despite all their benefits, that means they can’t provide an adequate food source.
When selecting a survival animal, it’s important that they be as low-maintenance as possible. It’s also crucial that they have a variety of survival uses you can utilize in a crisis.
Which leads me to helping you discover these…
8 Reasons To Have Ducks When SHTF
They’re Tough
One of the best parts about ducks is that they’re tough. Not “tough” as in the negative way, like “hard to handle.” But they’re built to last in the weather. For instance, their feathers are waterproof, so you don’t have to worry about sheltering them in the rain. They also have a thick undercoat, as well as a thick layer of fat. These provide insulation in both wet and dry climates.
They’re Healthy
A huge factor to consider when picking out a survival animal is their susceptibility to sickness. Because, if you aren’t willing/able to kill them, you’ll be the one paying to help them get better.
Luckily, ducks are one of the healthiest animals around, and rarely get sickness, disease, or infections. This makes them a great, low-maintenance option – especially for those with few resources.
They Provide Meat
As cute as they are, ducks also provide some really delicious meat. Just one cup of it has 27g of protein, so it does wonders in keeping you full and energetic. The meat is also fairly easy to cook and is naturally fatty, making it absolutely tasty.
They Provide Eggs
This is one category where ducks are superior to chickens. Although both animals lay eggs, ducks lay them year-round (whereas chickens only lay for half the time).
Not to mention, duck eggs, are actually larger and healthier for you than chicken eggs. Plus, many people say they’re even tastier than those from chickens.
Another awesome thing about duck eggs is that the shell is much thicker than that of chicken eggs. This makes them much more durable (in case you drop a few), and helps them have a longer shelf-life.
One thing to remember about ducks, though, is that they lay as they walk (in contrast to chickens, who must have a shelter to lay their eggs). Because of this, gathering duck eggs quickly turns into an “egg hunt” (which, arguably, can provide great entertainment for kids).
They Get Rid Of Pests
Lawn and garden pests can be a real nuisance, and chemical sprays can be harmful for the environment. However, if you’ve got ducks, they provide natural pest control. They happily eat bugs, worms, and snails – and even snakes and frogs!
They’re Friendly and Hospitable
Ducks are much friendlier with people than chickens are. They’ll even follow you around – especially if you’ve been around them at birth. This is why many people consider them more as pets than livestock.
In addition, ducks are much more welcoming of new members. Unlike chickens, who can become standoffish and defensive with new members, ducks quickly welcome new ducks as part of the flock. This makes it much easier to introduce new ducks into your existing group.
They’re Pretty Quiet
Unlike chickens, ducks are pretty quiet most of the time. The times they start quacking are typically when they’re feeling agitation, or when there’s a threat of a predator. This can be very useful, since they can become “mini alarm clocks” that go off when danger is around.
They’re Inexpensive
Want to purchase some ducklings for yourself? These are easy to find, as they’re typically found at any farming or tractor supply store. Plus, you can get a whole flock at once for cheap.
There’s no doubt about it – ducks are some of the best, most versatile survival animals you can own when SHTF. They’re low-maintenance, have a variety of uses, and can be ideal to care for with little resources in a crisis.
