Can ducklings drunk to much?

[soso143]

My ducklings are 1 1/2 weeks old, and I keep water and feed (dumor chick starter) the water I rotate between plain and electrolyte/probiotic, and niacin. They also get meal worms as a treat. I have 3, 2 seem to go back and fourth between solid, semi solid and very loose almost mucus like, and the biggest if the 3 is almost constantly at the semi watery state, and the mucusy (he also seems to drink the most) They seem to never stop drinking, they will literally lay in a semi circle around their water and drink nap and drink, they eat just fine as well . I'm afraid they are drinking to much, but I don't want to take the water away especially seeing as they need it to eat... Any answers?

 

[Going Quackers]

One thing with ducks is they adore to what i refer to as dabble in the water, they will do this from quite young, which makes water consumption quite high but not necessarily from drinking. I don't usually give ducklings i raise treats at that young, are you offering grit? anytime young birds are given anything beyond a basic diet grit (chick sized) should be offered.

I can give you a list of treats and a care guide which has ideas on water containers.

https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/242460/the-ultimate-list-of-duck-treats-and-supplements


https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/750869/raising-and-caring-for-ducklings#post_10611711

 

[soso143]

One thing with ducks is they adore to what i refer to as dabble in the water, they will do this from quite young, which makes water consumption quite high but not necessarily from drinking. I don't usually give ducklings i raise treats at that young, are you offering grit? anytime young birds are given anything beyond a basic diet grit (chick sized) should be offered.

I can give you a list of treats and a care guide which has ideas on water containers.

https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/242460/the-ultimate-list-of-duck-treats-and-supplements


https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/750869/raising-and-caring-for-ducklings#post_10611711

I do mix a small amount of grit in their food, should I add more?

 

[HollyDuckFarmer]

Or just add it in a special dish on the side. Personally I have never given grit, but I do (& the broody moms also do) encourage and provide safe free ranging opportunities as early as possible. My theory is that in my flock, it is during this time that my ducklings have eaten their grit.

 

[soso143]

Thank you for the help

 

[soso143]

One more question, I just noticed that the skin on their legs looks dry and flaky, is that normal?

 

[HollyDuckFarmer]

Yes

 

[soso143]

Thank you

 

[HollyDuckFarmer]

 

[Amiga]

I might slow down on the electrolyte mix to once every one or two weeks, but stick with the niacin.

Are they urping when picked up? That can happen.