Duckling questions

[andreagran7]

Hi all,
I have 2 khaki Campbell’s who are sitting on eggs, by my calculations I should be seeing ducklings next week it’s the first time I’ve experienced this so hope I can get some advice.
I have 1 other khaki, obviously the drake, 3 Muscovy and 5 chickens. They all share a large run with plenty of separate housing and all are allowed to free range over 10 acres during the day.
I was advised to separate the mums and babies from the others for 3 weeks when they arrive so I’m sectioning a part of the run off.
My questions are, should I put the drake in also?
Should I put a small pool in? Do I not let them out at all for 3 weeks? Is it ok to feed the ducklings the same food as the adults, laying mix?
Any other advice appreciated.
Nervous new duckling mum

 

[Cayuga momma]

My questions are, should I put the drake in also?
I wouldn't. He could kill the ducklings.
Should I put a small pool in?
Some people do, I would worry the ducklings wouldn't be able to get back out.
Do I not let them out at all for 3 weeks?
I like to put a puppy pen with the bottom removed outside with ducklings so they can safely explore. But that is in springtime.
Is it ok to feed the ducklings the same food as the adults, laying mix?
No layer feed for ducklings!!!
Ducklings should stay out on a 20% protein feed and move to a 16% - 18% feed after 2 weeks.

Edited to add: layer feed is not good for drakes, either. Too much calcium.

 

[sylviethecochin]

Agree, but with two addendums:

Might want to separate the mommas and their broods from each other. Momma ducks can be vicious to ducklings not their own, and a mother duck can break a baby's neck in about two seconds. If you keep them together, keep a very close eye on the initial interaction.

Male ducks are nowhere near as vicious as female ducks, in my experience. I personally would be far more wary of the other females than I would be of the male.

 

[andreagran7]

Thank you for the advice. I have set up 2 areas for the mums and babies with shallow pools. I’ll get some new feed for them and I have 2 large dog crates they can use to explore outside for the first little while.
Just waiting now!!

 

[PirateGirl]

I agree with all the above. The moms can eat the same food you give the ducklings, they won't be laying yet anyway. Make sure they have access to some small grit (not sure what your natural soil is like, it might be good enough) because if they are outside ducklings will certainly nibble on and eat things other than their feed. After some observation you'll be able to determine if your moms and ducklings can start to interact with the rest of the flock. You want the rest of the flock to essentially ignore them. So when I first had ducklings they were in a wire dog crate near the main pen and there was one adult duck that was obsessed, it would bang on the bars it would pace back and forth for hours staring at the ducklings, it was obvious they would not be safe together, after time things mellowed out and I could try putting everyone together.

Also I like these for ducklings swim time, shallow and sloped and easy to get in and out...

 

[chickens really]

Definitely keep the Duckling and Momma in a look no touch pen. Adult Ducks don't like ones that peep. I begin supervised free range time when Ducklings are 3 weeks old with Momma and the flock. I never House them together till at least 6 to 8 weeks. Way easier when the Drake is in eclipse and not breeding or remove him.

 

[PirateGirl]

Definitely keep the Duckling and Momma in a look no touch pen. Adult Ducks don't like ones that peep. I begin supervised free range time when Ducklings are 3 weeks old with Momma and the flock. I never House them together till at least 6 to 8 weeks. Way easier when the Drake is in eclipse and not breeding or remove him.

I also second the bit about the drake. When I eventually added the ducklings into the rest of the flock, I also removed the drake for awhile (it was summer at this point and he was amorous).

 

[chickens really]

I also second the bit about the drake. When I eventually added the ducklings into the rest of the flock, I also removed the drake for awhile (it was summer at this point and he was amorous).

Yes...I just lock Casanova up if he isn't in eclipse..He can be aggressive towards Ducklings.

 

[chickens really]

Penelope with her Ducklings meeting the flock. Casanova wasn't an issue...