at what age do indian runner duckling can swim?

[chickengr]

I will move to my new place soon and I have to make coops, etc. I know that muscovie ducks should not get wet for the first 3 weeks more or less. is it the same with indian runner ducks?

I plan to let ducks raise ducklings.

 

[TheBeardie]

I personally let ducklings swim sometime soon after the first three days. That's when they get their 'sea legs'. I've done this with both muscovies and mallard derived breeds.

I just make sure that they are dried off and warm. I've had no trouble giving baths within the first few days. While the ducklings don't get the oils from the mother, a warm bath and a nice towel off then back in the nice warm brooder hasn't brought my ducklings any harm.

Ducklings with the mother are fine to swim. They have the oils from her to make them waterproof and subsequently safe. Muscovies tend to go broody. Not a lot of mallard derived breeds, like indian runner ducks, like to go broody so take that into consideration.

 

[TheBeardie]

Any duck needs water to bathe in so it wouldn't be practical to keep a mother duck away from a pool. The ducks and ducklings need to at least be able to stick their heads in the water sorce. They need to be able to clean their nostrils multiple times a day.

 

[chickengr]

so I leave the mother duck with the babies and she will take care of them. sounds good to me.

how deep should the pool be? is there any chance that ducklings might drown?

I plan to put indian runner eggs under muscovie ducks.

 

[Miss Lydia]

I put Runner eggs under my Muscovys worked out great!! Let us know when you begin!!

 

[TheBeardie]

so I leave the mother duck with the babies and she will take care of them. sounds good to me.

how deep should the pool be? is there any chance that ducklings might drown?

I plan to put indian runner eggs under muscovie ducks.

Yes, the duckings will be completely fine when left with the mother.

Technically, it is possible for some casualties, but a few kiddie pools shouldn't be a real problem

I have some plastic kiddie pools for my muscovies. I haven't let my ducks brood in a long time, but you can dig a hole for the pool to go in. Deep enough to where the ducklings can step right in. Multiple pools are always better.

You could make your own pond if you have the resources and space. Something like this.

https://www.tyrantfarms.com/how-to-build-a-backyard-pond-with-diy-biofilter/#pond_expectations

I have no clue how well this project works since I've never done it.

Muscovy broody should work out just fine!

 

[chickengr]

Yes, the duckings will be completely fine when left with the mother.

Technically, it is possible for some casualties, but a few kiddie pools shouldn't be a real problem

I have some plastic kiddie pools for my muscovies. I haven't let my ducks brood in a long time, but you can dig a hole for the pool to go in. Deep enough to where the ducklings can step right in. Multiple pools are always better.

You could make your own pond if you have the resources and space. Something like this.

https://www.tyrantfarms.com/how-to-build-a-backyard-pond-with-diy-biofilter/#pond_expectations

I have no clue how well this project works since I've never done it.

Muscovy broody should work out just fine!

I will build small pools. I plan to have 3 duck/geese runs. 1 run will be for indian runner ducks and rhine geese, another run for muscovie ducks and sebastopol geese and the third run for chocolate muscovie ducks only. as I have no experience with raising ducks and geese I am afraid that ducklings and goslings would drown in a pool. maybe I should cover pools and use something more shallow till they grow up.

 

[chickengr]

I put Runner eggs under my Muscovys worked out great!! Let us know when you begin!!

I definitely will! please pray with me that I get my building permit soon!

 

[PirateGirl]

I use a plastic sled like this for water for ducklings outdoors.

It's shallow, so they can stand if they want, but it's also sloped at one end, making it easier to climb out.

Since they will be with their mother, they will have help with getting oiled up as well as warming up after swimming.

 

[chickengr]

I use a plastic sled like this for water for ducklings outdoors.

It's shallow, so they can stand if they want, but it's also sloped at one end, making it easier to climb out.

Since they will be with their mother, they will have help with getting oiled up as well as warming up after swimming.

looks great! I will start looking for them. I live in greece so I need to search a lot for that staff, lol. we are more summer equipped.