Abandoned Ducks

Hi I found 2 domestic ducklings that were abandoned in a stream., i know this because when I got them out of the current(luckily they did not drown) I brought them up the stream to find mom. Instead I found a box with chips and poop in it. :-( Well i took them home and got them set up and now I have decided to keep them. I have NO idea what breed they are, they are yellow. I have no idea how old they are, but a person I bought a coop from told me I did not have to keep them inside with the heat lamp anymore. I just need some guidance as to how to raise these little cuties, how to figure out if they are a male or female.
They are messy little ones, so glad that they are old enough to move into their ducky condo coop. They are really content in it, when I let them loose in my fenced yard - they really just want to go back to the coop.
Any and all advice would help. I have photos on my phone that I will post later.
Thank you

Could you show us some pics? Yellow ducklings? It might be a Pekin
Until they're fully feathered they need to be inside.

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If they are still yellow they are too young to go outside.

Yeah, look like Pekins. They also look to little to stay outside. They look to be 2-3 weeks old and they need to be 6 weeks before they can stay outside.They'll need to stay inside till they have all their feathers. Here's some super easy ideas for keeping them indoors:

Feeder: https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/1084306/super-easy-feeder
Brooder: http://timbercreekfarmer.com/6-easy-brooder-ideas/

Oh goodness! Good for you for finding them! I was overwhelmed with mine at first but even with all the information they aren't terribly difficult to take care of. Make sure they have a waterer that is deep enough to stick their full head in, but not big enough for them to climb into(I'll attach a few pictures). Make sure they are 100% protected at night, nothing getting in OR out. If yo can't afford a fully enclosed pen(top covered, I'm not sure if yours is) make sure the fence is sturdy to keep out any cats, dogs, or racoon etc etc, I put mine in their house at dusk and let them out at dawn because my pen isn't fully enclosed, but you can tie fishing line from the posts of your fence and something that's as tall as you (I used a tree) to deter hawks or any other prey bird. Other then that they just need bedding that won't hurt their feet and is easily cleaned(they are messy little things). Make sure they have access to water 24/7 because they need water to wash down any food. Once they're older you can leave them without water at night but I never do because I'd rather clean up a mess then have one choke.


If you find that yours do need to be inside for a few more weeks (if the nights get under 70 degrees) I have mine currently in a big plastic tub in my bathroom with the heater running for warmth and constantly check water if there is food,they like to spill it. If you let them swim make sure to supervise it, they tire easily. If you have to have them outside see if you can hook up a heater or even cover the house at night and plenty of bedding to curl up in but make sure to only keep them in the house part because at this age they scare very easily. If you want them to be nice and cuddly make sure to also handle them alot and talk to them everytime you're around

Good for you! What are they eating?

https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/750869/raising-and-caring-for-ducklings#post_10611711