Duckling feed?

[muscovy joe]

Hey just wondering when ducklings need to start eating after hatching? I have them in an elevated nest box with their mum, only about half have hatched since yesterday morning. Wondering if mum will be able to coax them down to the food when necessary, or if/when I should help. Thanks

 

[Miss Lydia]

Hey just wondering when ducklings need to start eating after hatching? I have them in an elevated nest box with their mum, only about half have hatched since yesterday morning. Wondering if mum will be able to coax them down to the food when necessary, or if/when I should help. Thanks

How can they get down? is there a ramp or steps or are they suppose to jump.? If they have to jump I'd put a lot of shaving or straw etc under where they are to jump from to soften the fall. and usually around 24 hrs the ducklings will want to drink and eat, I put food close so if mama is still sitting on eggs she can show babies where it is with out getting up.

 

[muscovy joe]

Thanks! Sorry I took so long to reply! I set them in a box with food and water, the mum gave up on the remaining 5 eggs, but 13 hatched! One runt has died since then, but the rest are doing great!

 

[muscovy joe]

Wondering if anyone knows the right time to change from chick starter to and adult food for muscovies. Mine are 4 weeks