I just stick a thermometer in the brooder, and raise and lower the lamp to get the required temperature. You want the brooder to be big enough that they can move away from the lamp if they are too hot. You can tell by watching the ducklings if they are comfortable. They'll move away if too hot. In that case you will want to raise the lamp. I use a small plastic sour creme or butter tub for water. I cut out a portion of the lid, big enough for them to stick their head in and get a drink. You may want to weigh it down with some large marbles, so it doesn't tip over. When mine are larger I use one of those big plastic ice creme tubs, and do the same to the lid. It works good. You don't want them to be able to get in the water as they may drown when they are that small.
