A bunch of duckling questions for this first time momma

[MaddieJoi]

We've had our ducklings for almost a week now and I've got so many questions
How warm does it need to be outside for us to take them out to peck around in the dirt and grass?
If it's warm enough, how long can they be outside with us for?
Does their drinking water need to be warm? I heard that anything cold can put them in shock.
Can they swim in warm shallow water in the tub or not until they're more water resistant?
If they can swim in the water, how long can they be in there?
Can we introduce any foods like lettuce or peas? or treats like meal worms?
How long do you give them save a chick or electrolyte boosters for?

I think that's all for now, thanks! You have all already been so helpful and welcoming

 

[casportpony]

Does their drinking water need to be warm? I heard that anything cold can put them in shock.

If you find that their water container has run dry, fill it with warm water. If you're just topping off the water, it's okay to use tap water as long as it's not ice-cold.

 

[MaddieJoi]

If you find that their water container has run dry, fill it with warm water. If you're just topping off the water, it's okay to use tap water as long as it's not ice-cold.

Thank you, thats good to know!

 

[BabyGotQuack]

We've had our ducklings for almost a week now and I've got so many questions
How warm does it need to be outside for us to take them out to peck around in the dirt and grass? If it's warm enough, how long can they be outside with us for?

I would say as long as it’s a sunny day where you’re comfortable in a tshirt they could go out for a bit. Start with small increments where they’re only a week. Maybe start at 10-30 mins. But if you see any signs of them being cold such as huddling take them in. Once it gets warmer out and they get a little older they could stay out for a while, supervised, as long as they aren’t cold.

Does their drinking water need to be warm? I heard that anything cold can put them in shock.

I’ve never given my ducklings warm drinking water, I usually just give cold tap water.

Can they swim in warm shallow water in the tub or not until they're more water resistant?
If they can swim in the water, how long can they be in there?

Yes they can swim now, some people say no but as long as the water is shallow, they have a place to stand and rest and the water isn’t freezing they should be just fine and will enjoy it! I do this in the tub because most tubs slant and the back of the tub is more shallow than the front giving them a place to stand if they get tired. Don’t ever leave them alone in the water and watch to make sure they aren’t getting tired or exhausted.

Can we introduce any foods like lettuce or peas? or treats like meal worms?

Yes all those would be great, in moderation. They still need to be eating their feed regularly but some treats here and there won’t hurt

How long do you give them save a chick or electrolyte boosters for?

They need those the first few days, you should be fine to stop giving it

I think that's all for now, thanks! You have all already been so helpful and welcoming

 

[MaddieJoi]

I would say as long as it’s a sunny day where you’re comfortable in a tshirt they could go out for a bit. Start with small increments where they’re only a week. Maybe start at 10-30 mins. But if you see any signs of them being cold such as huddling take them in. Once it gets warmer out and they get a little older they could stay out for a while, supervised, as long as they aren’t cold.

I’ve never given my ducklings warm drinking water, I usually just give cold tap water.

Yes they can swim now, some people say no but as long as the water is shallow, they have a place to stand and rest and the water isn’t freezing they should be just fine and will enjoy it! I do this in the tub because most tubs slant and the back of the tub is more shallow than the front giving them a place to stand if they get tired. Don’t ever leave them alone in the water and watch to make sure they aren’t getting tired or exhausted.

Yes all those would be great, in moderation. They still need to be eating their feed regularly but some treats here and there won’t hurt

They need those the first few days, you should be fine to stop giving it

Thank you for taking the time to answer all those questions. I’m glad I can let them swim! The tub will definitely be where I put them. Do you think only once a day since they’re still so young or would I be able to let them swim in the morning and evening?

 

[BabyGotQuack]

Thank you for taking the time to answer all those questions. I’m glad I can let them swim! The tub will definitely be where I put them. Do you think only once a day since they’re still so young or would I be able to let them swim in the morning and evening?

If you wanted to do evening and morning I don’t see why not. Just make sure at evening especially, that they’re dry and warm before you leave them and go to bed. But again just if you wanted to, I don’t think twice a day is necessary. But sharing cute duckling bath time pics with us is necessary!

 

[specTONKular]

Hi
I have a paint roller tray for my ducklings as when I put them in the bath one kept slipping this way its more like a swimming pool gets deeper but only up to the depth of an inch or 2.
For playtime I made sure that the water was not cold but sort of the same temperature as a baby bath but certainly not hotter.
For the garden exploring I would suggest about 3pm at this time of year because it's the hottest time of day in northern hemisphere for about 10mins depending on the temperature and increase it every couple of days. I have a puppy pen for mine so they are contained and also I can put a mesh top on it when they are outside for longer so the kites that live nearby can't get to them.