- Jan 22, 2011
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Planning my first venture into the world of waterfowl, I thought brooding them would be just like baby chickens. However, after much reading here, I realized it was time for a new plan.
Here is my 2 phase plan, please share your thoughts.
Day old ducklings:
I bought a large rubbermaid underbed storage box. It isn't very tall so I may need a supplemental draft guard( will make from used heavy paper chicken and pig feed bags). Inside this tote, I am building a 36" by 18" inch frame out of lumber and covering it with half inch hardware cloth to raise the ducks on in the house for the first couple weeks. A brooder this size should accomodate 6 ducks to 2 weeks of age I think. It will be about 24 inches tall and they will be in the house for the first 2 weeks.
Feed will be in chick feeders and I read a great idea on here about making homemade water dishes out of gallon jugs for ducklings.
2 weeks:
They move out to the outbuilding. Their growing pen will be made of hay bales and will be expandable. Shavings over concrete for the floor. Supervised access to the outdoors in a secure run until they are fully feathered. Hanging feeders and a 2 gallon poultry waterer on a wire base in a shallow rubbermade tote.
Does this sound like a good plan?
Here is my 2 phase plan, please share your thoughts.
Day old ducklings:
I bought a large rubbermaid underbed storage box. It isn't very tall so I may need a supplemental draft guard( will make from used heavy paper chicken and pig feed bags). Inside this tote, I am building a 36" by 18" inch frame out of lumber and covering it with half inch hardware cloth to raise the ducks on in the house for the first couple weeks. A brooder this size should accomodate 6 ducks to 2 weeks of age I think. It will be about 24 inches tall and they will be in the house for the first 2 weeks.
Feed will be in chick feeders and I read a great idea on here about making homemade water dishes out of gallon jugs for ducklings.
2 weeks:
They move out to the outbuilding. Their growing pen will be made of hay bales and will be expandable. Shavings over concrete for the floor. Supervised access to the outdoors in a secure run until they are fully feathered. Hanging feeders and a 2 gallon poultry waterer on a wire base in a shallow rubbermade tote.
Does this sound like a good plan?