Can anyone give me the 411 on raising ducks?

[Sequin]

Ok, I know, I should have done my research Before I bought the cute little ducklings. BUT... being that I have been raising/keeping chickens for 3 years now I didn't think it would be Too difficult. My son and husband are really excited about them and are looking forward to making a pond area for them complete with their own little 'duck house on the pond'. My question is more of making sure we give them all the best they need for a healthy life. So, we picked up the flock raiser feed and we also have non-medicated chick feed ... in the event someone gets it confused and gives them all the same stuff. Is there anything in particular I need to be careful about or can I use common sense like I do with raising my chicks? These are actually my sons ducks, and he is Really excited over them. He has been doing everything he can for them and wants to know he is raising them in the right way for them to thrive. Any and all advice and suggestions are appreciated!!! Thank You!!!

 

[chickboss]

They will need xtra Niacin, I like to sprinkle their food with Brewer's Yeast, other people like to add a supplement to their water. Careful with letting them swim because until they are older they will not be producing their own oil and will get very chilled. Still, most people (me included) will give their ducklings some swim time in warm water, and then will dry them off a little and pop them under the heat lamps. The guidelines for keeping them with a heat lamp are about the same for them as for chickens, but you may notice that they outgrow the need for it faster. They grow FAST, make a huge mess, and will make you laugh on a regular basis to make up for all your trouble.

Our first four have just moved outside. It is all very fun! OH, and this is very important, make sure they ALWAYS have water available with their feed, they need the water to wash down their food or risk choking.

Check out this thread for the Storey's Guide To Raising Ducks if you haven't already.

https://www.backyardchickens.com/forum/viewtopic.php?id=322171

 

[Sequin]

Awesome!!! Thanks SOoo much for your kind help. They seem to be doing good so far, but will start to add the extra Niacin into their diet.

 

[toletiquesbysam]

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