Brand new duckings: waterer advice and numbers

[jennybvcr]

I just received my duckling this morning from Metzer Farms and unfortunately only 3 of my 4 arrived alive. Metzer Farms has offered to send me two more ducklings, as they don't ship single ducklings. For some reason, the idea of having five ducks feels like a lot more than four ducks. Am I being silly? I can't decide if I should stick with 3 and add more next year if I want more, or if I should just go ahead and get the two more right now so they're all around the same age.

Also - I made them a waterer our of a milk jug with a hole for their heads cut down close to the bottom. I started them on a bowl of water when they arrived this morning because I wanted to make sure they all got plenty to drink, but now they only seem interested in the bowl and I can't get them to use the jug. Any suggestions on transitioning from the open bowl (which they of course are making a mess out of) to the jug waterer? I don't want them to be eating and not have access to water if they don't know how to use the jug waterer.

 

[Duckstail]

Congratulations!! Something tells me you'll end up with a lot more than 5 anyways!!

Trying to put a tupperware under that or like a Rubbermaid lid is what I use.

The fact is ducks are very messy and you can't deprive them of water to make it easier to clean. Or else you're going to be posting about how your duck died.

I suggest just leave the cup out but put some objects in there maybe like a big rock so they can't go sit in the water.

And make sure they never run out of water the second they do will probably start eating choke and pass

.

 

[jennybvcr]

The fact is ducks are very messy and you can't deprive them of water to make it easier to clean. Or else you're going to be posting about how your duck died.

I suggest just leave the cup out but put some objects in there maybe like a big rock so they can't go sit in the water.
.

I appreciate your frankness, and I will definitely try putting something in the water bowl to keep them out of it. That seems like a reasonable way to minimize the splashing. Thanks!

 

[Duckstail]

I appreciate your frankness, and I will definitely try putting something in the water bowl to keep them out of it. That seems like a reasonable way to minimize the splashing. Thanks!

I hope you aren't offended I'm just a pretty straightforward type of guy.

Heres an example of mine.

 

[Soon2BChixMom]

Is the hole in the jug big enough?
I used containers with lids and the tops cut out when they were smaller, then graduated to a jug.
You can remove the other bowl and dip their bill into the jug - observe and make sure they are using it.

 

[Lazy Farmer]

I use a standard water dispenser for chicks. I traced the rim of the bottle on a cool whip container lid. Cut out the center hole. Then traced the rim afterwards and cut to the size of the rim. Then cut small drinking holes.
Keeps the water clean.
Keeps the brooder dryer.

 

[Soon2BChixMom]

Also, forgot to ask - did you order straight run or sexed ducklings? If straight run, it might be better to get the other two to make sure you get what you want and rehome the others down the road. If you ordered sexed, 3 is a good beginning number.

 

[jennybvcr]

I hope you aren't offended I'm just a pretty straightforward type of guy.

Heres an example of mine.

No way! I was being totally sincere. Frankness = getting stuff done! I put a small jar in the middle of the bowl, which seems to be working except the poor dummies can't figure out why they can't get to the water through the jar! I will find something solid to use when I get home from work tonight. Poor little pea-brains!

 

[jennybvcr]

Is the hole in the jug big enough?
I used containers with lids and the tops cut out when they were smaller, then graduated to a jug.
You can remove the other bowl and dip their bill into the jug - observe and make sure they are using it.

Thanks! I may wait until they're a little older and try to jug again when I have more time to watch them. Since they just got here today, I don't want to stress them out too much. If the bowl works and makes them happy, I'll stick with it for a week or so and then try to adjust them when they're a little more used to their new surroundings.

 

[Lazy Farmer]

No way! I was being totally sincere. Frankness = getting stuff done! I put a small jar in the middle of the bowl, which seems to be working except the poor dummies can't figure out why they can't get to the water through the jar! I will find something solid to use when I get home from work tonight. Poor little pea-brains!

Remember that they need water to wash their food down. A lot of water.