Duckling Care?

[justanewb]

So I'm pretty hopeful that my egg (https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/905918/help-please#post_13785122 here's the link to the story and such) will hatch. Assuming it does, how should I take care of the duckling? I was thinking of putting it in an old fishtank we've got (without the lid, of course), throwing some soft towels down, and putting a lamp over it..? I don't know, but this is why I'm asking. Any tips at all would be helpful. From hatching, to feeding, anything!

 

[GettinTheChicks]

The aquarium should work nicely as duckling love water. I would prefer pine shavings for the bedding, but NOT cedar because it contains some poisonous toxins for small birds. Let's see, the duckling will need a heat lamp for 7 to 9 weeks. You should have a constant temp of 90 degrees, dropping around 5 degrees a week. Hope this helps!

 

[GettinTheChicks]

Here is a link that should answer all of your questions on duckling care! https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/750869/raising-and-caring-for-ducklings

 

[justanewb]

I hate to bother you with so many questions, but you seem to know quite a bit about this. Do you happen to know of any stores that sell chick/duckling/etc feed? Or do you always have to order online? I'm not sure I want to order feed, since I don't know if the egg will hatch or not..
And by store I mean regular sort of store, not somewhere out in the middle of nowhere I have to find. Something like Fleetfarm, Menard's, etc.
Thanks again for your help!!

 

[GettinTheChicks]

Feel free to ask as many questions as you may have, because I like to share my knowledge with all. That's what I'm here for. Do you have a Tractor supply nearby? Or maybe a Co-Op.I would suggest feeding the duckling some NON-medicated chick starter with a high source of protien, around 18-20%. Make sure to never feed the duckling without a source of water, as they use water to moisten the food they eat. Hope this helps, and if you have any more questions feel free to ask.

 

[callmeRISH]

I have some questions to here they are

so i will start ducklings out on chick starter unless i can find duckling starter. would i need to give them brewers yeast if on chick starter? i go from starter to grower feed, what comes next, layer? will i have to give ducklings grit and oyster shells or should i wait till they are older? what age do i switch from starter to grower, then to whatever comes next (i think its layer). will i need to give adult ducks niacin supplements?