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What I have learned about ducks - first 24 hours

post #1 of 6
4/26/12 at 9:54am
Thread Starter 

1.  They all  survived very well coming from Ca. to Wa - with a heat pack - (3 total mailed to me)

2.  New ducklings peep they don't quack

3.  Dipping their bills in the water right at first really does get them to drink

4.  They really do love water - the cardboard box is doomed!

Day 2 -

1.  They don't like having their leg bands cut off - but it's easy to see that that was a necessity

2.  If you put water in their brooder - you can't use a cardboard box!!!

3.  Now in a cement mixer tub - wood shavings and food at one end - drinking water and "pond" at the other end is working

4.  Using a 3-4" deep plastic container filled with water - they are frolicking and diving and having a great time

5.  Changing their water is going to be a frequent event - indiscriminate poopers

6.  Great YouTube video from Metzer Farms (where I got my darlings) on sexing ducklings

7.  They seem to not like it as hot as the chicks do

8.. Make sure they have plenty of drinking water as they seem to use it to help the crumbles go down

 

What a treat it is to have these darling creatures!!!

 

 

 

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post #2 of 6
4/26/12 at 9:58am

Soo Fun isnt it !! And Ducks are messier : ) Sounds like your making them a nice little play ground .. they also jump higher and can get out easier .. I Just got two one day old Mallards yesterday that actually joined right in with my chicks that are about a week old.. They are holding their own and already leaping higher .. The Last time I raised Baby chicks I had to clean their Area daily and needed a screen very quickly as they can get out pretty young .. Enjoy ~

I have about 20 Mature Hens and Roosters Different Breeds (RIR's, EE's, OEGB, Buff Orp.'s)  and approximately 60 Chicks different ages and a large variety adding more constantly (Jersey Giants, Black Australorp, White leghorn, Buff Orps.'s RIR and mixed bred), Three Dogs One Pure Bread Doxie two mixed Breeds, 4 Ducks (2 white Peking, One Muscovy, One mixed breed)2 baby Mallard chicks , 2...

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I have about 20 Mature Hens and Roosters Different Breeds (RIR's, EE's, OEGB, Buff Orp.'s)  and approximately 60 Chicks different ages and a large variety adding more constantly (Jersey Giants, Black Australorp, White leghorn, Buff Orps.'s RIR and mixed bred), Three Dogs One Pure Bread Doxie two mixed Breeds, 4 Ducks (2 white Peking, One Muscovy, One mixed breed)2 baby Mallard chicks , 2...

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post #3 of 6
4/26/12 at 9:59am

I meant the last time I raised baby ducks

I have about 20 Mature Hens and Roosters Different Breeds (RIR's, EE's, OEGB, Buff Orp.'s)  and approximately 60 Chicks different ages and a large variety adding more constantly (Jersey Giants, Black Australorp, White leghorn, Buff Orps.'s RIR and mixed bred), Three Dogs One Pure Bread Doxie two mixed Breeds, 4 Ducks (2 white Peking, One Muscovy, One mixed breed)2 baby Mallard chicks , 2...

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I have about 20 Mature Hens and Roosters Different Breeds (RIR's, EE's, OEGB, Buff Orp.'s)  and approximately 60 Chicks different ages and a large variety adding more constantly (Jersey Giants, Black Australorp, White leghorn, Buff Orps.'s RIR and mixed bred), Three Dogs One Pure Bread Doxie two mixed Breeds, 4 Ducks (2 white Peking, One Muscovy, One mixed breed)2 baby Mallard chicks , 2...

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post #4 of 6
4/26/12 at 10:11am
  • gryeyes
  • Platinum Poultry
  • Covered in Pet Hair & Feathers
LindaJean, Metzer Farms ducklings are wonderful! I have three little Cayuga girls in a brooder right now.

Plus, you have my first and middle name too! tongue.png

Ducklings do NOT need it as hot as chicks, or for as long.

Unlike chicks, however, they put all their growing energy into building body size, and will feather out that fluff later than chicks. They'll grow MUCH faster but still look like babies with their fluff for a few weeks.

Wait for the sideway look up at you - your heart will melt. love.gif

Ducks are always smiling. Look at their bills to see what I mean.

They won't quack right away, but at about three weeks or so, if you pick one up suddenly and she quacks really loudly because she's startled, that's a girl. The boys don't quack, but sort of mumble-quack, huskier.

The way they pop their heads up to try to see out of the brooder just makes me laugh.

-- Linda (AKA: gryeyes)
I refuse to fight a battle of wits with an unarmed person.

Buncha Outdoor PET chickens, ducks, two Toulouse ganders, and four turkeys. Plus 2 wiener dogs, some bunnies and a rescue cat which owns me. Oh. And a house silkie....

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-- Linda (AKA: gryeyes)
I refuse to fight a battle of wits with an unarmed person.

Buncha Outdoor PET chickens, ducks, two Toulouse ganders, and four turkeys. Plus 2 wiener dogs, some bunnies and a rescue cat which owns me. Oh. And a house silkie....

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post #5 of 6
4/26/12 at 12:36pm

All so true!!!!!!!!!!!!! Love/related to what you said about cardboard!!! Enjoy your beautiful babies and when you get a chance , do post some pictures!!!!!!
 

3 buff orpingtons: 1 drake 2 ducks, 4 redstar chickens, 1 sassy poodle, 1 parakeet, 1 beta fish, 3 siblings, 2 parents, and 1 Savior I accredit it all to<3

 

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3 buff orpingtons: 1 drake 2 ducks, 4 redstar chickens, 1 sassy poodle, 1 parakeet, 1 beta fish, 3 siblings, 2 parents, and 1 Savior I accredit it all to<3

 

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post #6 of 6
4/29/12 at 7:17am
Thread Starter 

My ducklings are close to a week old - gradually moving them to larger and larger containers - yes, only three, but very very exuberant and busy !!!!!!!!!

 

 

Chicken pics 4-28 026.JPG

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