Can ducklings swim in the bathtub?

[Kerath]

I've let my guys swim in the kitchen sink as young as about 3 days. You just have to make sure they don't get chilled and keep in mind that they will get waterlogged and start to sink after a short while. We have a paint roller tray that we use for quick dips when the babes are young as well. We also like to towel them off as soon as they come out of the water.

Last year, we found a wild mallard that was just a couple days old running across the street with no momma or sibling in sight and a twisted leg. We swam that little guy twice a day for the first few weeks to build up his leg strength (duckling water therapy!). It actually worked and he grew up to move normally.

Here he is in the kitchen sink at just a couple days old....

 

[ColoradoMagpieMom]

Thanks for posting your question! I just received three 5 day old magpie ducklings. They seem to LOVE the water dish and each of them has spent time "bathing" in the dish. I was wondering about the tub - I like the idea of something smaller (like the storage tub) and the advice on how long to leave them in the water! I hope they don't mind the towel drying!

 

[Lynette]

Very cute pic of the little duckling. My little ones have been trying to swim in their drinker. I think I will start off with a small dish first and then go from there. I just don't want them to get cold. But I can tell they really want to get into some water soon. And I know I can't wait to watch them play in it!

 

[Kerath]

Quote:
My guys always seem to HATE the towel drying part. Lots of PEEP PEEP PEEP!!

 

[Lynette]

I let my ducklings have their first bath yesterday. I used an old round cake pan and filled it with warm water. At first they just stood next to it and after I splashed my fingers in it a few times, they slowly walked closer to it and jumped in. I am glad I put newspaper around it because it was soaked. They loved it! I only let them play for about 5 minutes. They didn't like the towel though. They did alot of peeping. I just had to videotape them having their first little swim.

 

[eggzntoast]

My ducks are about 5- 6weeks old. How long should i leave them in. And also one of them is favoring a leg. Any suggestions. I assumed the water would be good therapy for him

 

[QuackSpeak]

My ducks are about 5- 6weeks old. How long should i leave them in. And also one of them is favoring a leg. Any suggestions. I assumed the water would be good therapy for him

They can take supervised swims, yes. Just watch them. If they show any signs of being tired or waterlogged, take them out and dry them off. The water will probably be good therapy for your injured duckling, too. Are you providing niacin for their legs?