50 layer hen ducklings from Metzer tomorrow

[HiddenHill Heretic]

So.. Im new here as y'all can prolly see. Tomorrow I am going to pick up 50 day old laying female ducklings from John at Metzer Farms. First off, wonderful, easy to deal with folks there. Having never brooded chicks before, I await the ducklings arrival with a wee bit of...trepidation. I think I am pretty set up, though in reading other posts, it seems 50 ducklings may create some ....cleaning issues. The 4 breeds John has gathered for me include Welsh Harlequin, Khaki Campbell, and Golden and White Layers. I cannot wait. I also run 25 hens, 2 guineas, and a turkey. I have become fascinated with the lack of duck eggs in my local market, and look to help the local Santa Cruz community to become better aware of the majesty of the duck egg. Wish me Luck, Luke

 

[duckyfromoz]

Well that sure is jumping in the deep end...50 ducklings..

chickenlover54 just got a large order like that recently- they even sent extra if my memory is correct. Certainly makes for some very cute pics... Love to see a photo or two of your lot when they arrive...

 

[duckling 1234]

You are..... brave.

 

[froggie71]

50 ducklings

. Some cleaning issues is a very nice way to put it. We have 17 full grown ducks and now 3 ducklings in a brooder. They are lucky they are so darn cute! Have fun with all those adorable babies. Can't wait to see pics.

 

[Wifezilla]

I love my Metzer Welsh Harlequins. Shelley is the smartest duck in my flock.

Wendy is also a Metzer girl. She isn't spooky smart like her "sister" but she is a sweet duck.

I had another Metzer girl, but she lost an argument with a hawk. RIP Bebe

 

[BeccaOH]

You are brave indeed! I had just 7 ducklings in a brooder, and the smell was bad even though I cleaned daily. They LOVE water and wet food. Their poo is very wet. You'll love ducklings but not the brooding process.

 

[HiddenHill Heretic]

Thanks so much for the encouragment. I am excited, but, as i said, a little concerned after reading the other 50 duckling thread. Fortunately, I have old horse stalls which I think will work well for brooding areas. One question: Will the 2 heat lamps (250 watt red , 80 watt red) be sufficient if ambient room temperature is the same as outdoor temperature? Right now, lows are in the mid 40s here in Santa Cruz. It seems as though many people begin the brooding process inside their home in warmed house temperature. I will post pics today after I go pick them up. Thanks again for the help, Luke

 

[chickboss]

Congratulations on getting ducks!! And I thought I jumped in with both feet first! That is great. If I had outdoor space to brood mine in I would have. I know that you can pick up some inexpensive bulb themometers at feed stores in the incubator section, or online, or just get a the regular kind people would mount on their homes, and put it in the brooder area so that you can see first hand if the temps are where they should be. Also, it is the same with chicks, if they are all huddled together tightly under the lamp they are probable chilly, if they are all advoiding the area directly under the lamp, it is too hot. Randomly dispersed through out the area, just right. I think two lamps to start with may be okay, but you may want to pick up a third because they grow very fast and will be taking up more space quite quickly. Can't wait to see pics and good luck!!