duckling question

[papare]

my wifes job (school) had 4 duck eggs as a project she offered to take one , I did some research and advised her to take two as it turned out only three hatched , you got it we have three , all has been well for the last three weeks untill the last couple of nights some how the poultry waterer gets emptied and the bedding is saturated we didnt feel this was good so we started using the heat lamp again , my question is (1) do they need water overnight ? (2) do they need the heat lamp its not cold just wet ? ducks will sleep in water right ? thanks for any and all replies

 

[Kevin565]

1. If they have food at night then they will need water as well

2. If it's wet they need a heat lamp

3. Older ducks may sometimes but ducklings should not be allowed to.

 

[papare]

Thanks for the quick reply , I know they are to young to sleep in water as they aren't even full feathered , but back to the water issue do they need food and water overnight ? I thought because they are growing so quickly they needed food and water at all times , they dont seem to have this water issue during the day , is this a common problem ?

 

[Tahai]

yes, food and water 24/7 till they are about 5 weeks, then food morning and night, and water 24/7. At around 10-12 weeks, you can start weaning them off of the night water in the pen, as long as you feed them outside about half an hour before you lock them in (this way they have time to eat and digest, and drink plenty)

Also, watch the protein of your feed. At about 4 weeks, cut back to 16%. Watch the legs. If they start to get shakey, get niacin tablets (nicotinic acid variety). Do a search here on niacin deficiency for more info.

In regards to the waterer: check to make sure it's not broken. My 5 gallon one started draining out on its own after about 3 weeks of use. I'd fill it up, and come back an hour later and it'd be bone dry. turns out the little thing that regulates the water flow got jammed into the open position by a stray piece of straw.

 

[Kevin565]

Tahai has given you some excellent advice as well. Ducks tend to be very messy with their waterers from day 1

Thanks for the quick reply , I know they are to young to sleep in water as they aren't even full feathered , but back to the water issue do they need food and water overnight ? I thought because they are growing so quickly they needed food and water at all times , they dont seem to have this water issue during the day , is this a common problem ?

 

[papare]

thanks for your replies you have been very helpful , great site

 

[Amiga]

Have you seen the watering setup of 70%cocoa or tweetysvoice yet? Good ideas. I had splash catchers under mine.