Beginner questions!

[agducks]

Hello all!

I am brand new to raising ducks and I have 4 almost 2 week old Rouen ducklings! Love them!
I do have a few questions, though.
1. I am feeding them meat bird and chick starter, mixed. I was told the straight meat bird can make them grow too quickly, and the ARE growing quickly! I also add crushed niacin tablets (1/2 of a 250mg tab/gal of water) to their water daily. Over kill, or does this seem right?
2. When I put them in the tub for their daily swim today they swam for about 5 minutes then started sinking! It scared me! I got them out quick and dried them off and put them back in their brooder! What the heck?! Every other bath time they have swum around for 15-20 minutes, no problem!
3. They seem to be getting some pin feathers in. At least, that's what I think they are. They feel poky when I hold them. It's mostly on their backs and near their legs. Normal?
4. I knew the Quack Pack Would be messy, but BOY, ARE THEY MESSY! When can I kick 'em outside?! (It's still fairly chilly here and I know it's still a little ways off..)
5. They do not seem attached to me at all. They just bunch together in a corner and run away when I try to pick them up. I spend time with them every day! I'm wondering if they will be more attached as they get older.

Here are a few pictures!

This was the day after I got them!

This is from today after the sinking incident! (Can anybody tell if I have males/females?!)

 

[KuroKitsune]

i cant answer all your questions but i'll answer one i can....


1. plain chick starter(thats 18% protein and not medicated) is fine as long as you provide niacin which your already doing....when i have ducklings i use 18% chick starter and have less problems.

4. they can go outside when they almost completely feathered which will be in another 2-4 weeks depending how they grow and feather out

5. mine were like that too but i won them over with time and treats(lots of treats)


and there is no way to tell the sex of your babies till their 5 weeks old and if you have any girls they will start quacking till so till then you have to wait to find out

 

[Jessica89]

The sinking question..

You have to careful because they can get exhausted and drown. I used to leave mine in for a couple of minutes and take them out.

Perhaps they had less food or were more active before their swim so couldn't last as long. They are so so cute

 

[buff goose guy]

u shouldnt just kick them outside they can free range in the day of course as long as its safe but at night they need to be secure from predators

 

[agducks]

Buffgoose,
Obviously I wouldn't just kick them out.. I was being sarcastic. My husband is building them a coop/pen.

 

[DucksAndGardens]

Try using defrosted frozen peas as treats. Even my most unsociable duckling (that screams like I'm killing her if I touch her) will come over to get a pea treat. I make them eat out of my hand and they are all over that! Once they realize that you are a source of tasty goodness they will be more friendly. Also I would take them out one at a time for some one on one so they get to know you and then give them the treats. Then they will really associate you with good things.

 

[agducks]

@DucksAndGardens

Thanks for the advice! I'll try that! They are only about 2 weeks old. Are peas safe for them now? Do they need grit if I give them peas?

 

[DucksAndGardens]

Yes yet will need grit if you give them peas. I cut the peas in half when they were 2 weeks old.