Duck Brooder Questions

[Coenthecoopcrafter]

I am receiving four ducklings late April this year, and I need to get some kind of brooder set up. I am thinking about getting the smallest size hardware cloth I can find and stretching it across the bottom of some kind of box, leaving a space underneath for all the water they splash around to fall into, and a drain of sorts for it to flow out. Is this a reasonable Idea? How big should it be, taking into consideration that I want it to be big enough that is can house all my ducks all the way up until they are transferred to their coop I have yet to build. Also, what are some ideas for bedding that water can slide through, yet is still cushy enough that the ducklings can be comfortable? I am also planning on using this with my eight chicks I currently have, so do you see any flaws in my plans that would keep me from brooding chicks in this? Thanks!

 

[Soon2BChixMom]

The people I follow who raise ducklings use a small tub with a lid (like a cottage cheese tub). A hole is cut into the lid to allow the ducklings to get their nares wet.
I don't think it is recommended to have chicks and ducklings in the same set up at the same time unless there is a divider.

@chickens really thoughts?

 

[Miss Lydia]

https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/raising-and-caring-for-ducklings.750869/

 

[CarleeAnn]

I believe have ducks walk on chicken wire could bring about bumble foot- I may be wrong though.

Just a large plastic bin and pine shavings work well for me! Put a smaller bin inside (like a litter box) with an opening cut out for the ducks to go into where the water and food can be separated to try and reduce the messiness in the big bin. Hope I explained that well....

 

[Coenthecoopcrafter]

The people I follow who raise ducklings use a small tub with a lid (like a cottage cheese tub). A hole is cut into the lid to allow the ducklings to get their nares wet.
I don't think it is recommended to have chicks and ducklings in the same set up at the same time unless there is a divider.

@chickens really thoughts?

The chicks will be out in the coop by the time the ducklings get here. They will have it all to themselves.

 

[QuackinMeUp]

I am a newbie but I think mine and my hubbys idea was pretty solid. We used two bins and put them together. Food and water on one side and just bedding and heat lamp on the other. Kept the big mess to on

e half and they always had dry bedding. Experienced keepers correct me if this is not a good idea.

 

[Miss Lydia]

Fantastic idea!
but you need to change out the chicken waterer for one for ducklings they need to be able to dunk their heads. Try a plastic butter container or cool whip and place the lid on and cut holes large enough for the ducklings to stick their heads into you can also place a rock into the bottom to keep them from turning it over.

 

[QuackinMeUp]

Fantastic idea!
but you need to change out the chicken waterer for one for ducklings they need to be able to dunk their heads. Try a plastic butter container or cool whip and place the lid on and cut holes large enough for the ducklings to stick their heads into you can also place a rock into the bottom to keep them from turning it over.

Yesss! We have learned the chick waterer and feeder is a no for ducks!! Atwoods recommended them.to us and they do not work well for duckies at all