Bedding for Ducklings

[sowellj]

I know you shouldn't use shavings for newborn ducklings but is there an age you can start using them. I am using underpads (like used in the hospital) but they are messing them up very fast.

 

[eggybritches]

I use straw for my ducklings and that works pretty great for me.

 

[SundownWaterfowl]

I wouldnt use shavings for ducklings. I have see ducklings root around in the shavings with their beaks, scratch their eyes, and then get infections.

 

[JStark]

My three grew up on chopped straw for the first week or two, and then just regular straw. By 'chopped', I mean that I would grab a handful and tear them in half or thirds. That way, they don't slip around so much. After a couple of weeks, though, just regular straw works fine.

Pads are too expensive for me.

 

[rainplace]

I just kept mine on shelf liner. I had a few pieces cut so I could swap them out. It's extremely easy to wash them out and they dry quickly.

 

[Wifezilla]

Shelf liner when really young. Pine shavings after about 3 weeks. Click on my double decker brooder link to see how that works

 

[688peterl]

i thought shavings were OK? im planning on using shavings, i have cheese cloth to put over the shavings to stop the ducks from eating them

 

[Wifezilla]

I wouldn't worry about it too much. If you are covering it that should be just fine. Just make sure they can't get tangled in the cheesecloth.

 

[sowellj]

I have hay. Would that work instead of straw?

 

[txredneckmedic]

I just used hay each time