A couple more duckling questions

[gritsar]

It is my intention to re-furbish an old dog house as a house for a couple of ducks.
Since I will be brooding the spring chicks in their coop, that will leave the screened porch available to brood the ducks. That's where we brooded the chicks in '07.
First question. How long do ducklings have to be under heat lamps and/or at what temps. for how long? I won't be getting them until June and it's really starting to warm up here then.
Also, I need ideas for how to provide them with water at night. The dog house is roomy enough for three ducks, but not with a large waterer added. During the day they'll be able to free range, first in the fenced yard and then on the whole property like the chickens do.
TIA

 

[toletiquesbysam]

http://www.backyardpoultrymag.com/issues/2/2-5/Dave_Holderread.html

Great article that will answer alot of questions for you hopefully!

 

[Soccer Mom]

I don't leave my ducklings with a heat lamp for more than a couple of days, but I live in Texas. When it is cool at night, I turn it on just at night.

They don't have to have water at night as long as they don't have food. They mush drink to eat or they will choke, but they are fine for a few hours at night w/o water. If they are w/o water for more than a few hours, don't allow them free choice at water or they can kill themselves by over drinking. Reintroduce for 15 minute intervals and then take away for 15 minute intervals for an hour. But that is only if they are w/o for more than a few hours.

After a month you don't need to worry so much about water overdrinking.