Duckling space

[Chicks Galore3]

How much space per duckling should I have in the brooder?

 

[needlessjunk]

As much as possible. I don't know the exact number of sq ft but ducklings are super messy and its a battle to keep the water under control. They also grow insanely fast. I've gone through my 3rd brooder upgrade and they are 6 weeks tomorrow. They are now in a large kiddie pool (the one with the slide). I have 4 ducklings if that gives you an idea.

 

[Crazy4Fowl]

Question:From your last few posts I'm guessing your getting ducklings... What breed?

Answer: I usually put my ducklings in a storage container with wood shavings on the bottom and food and water. Probably will fit 4-7 ducklings.

 

[Chicks Galore3]

Yes, I am. I will be getting 3-6 khaki campbells.

 

[Crazy4Fowl]

Yes, I am. I will be getting 3-6 khaki campbells.

That should work... why is it a 3 duck difference? Where are you getting them... or are the hatching from one of your ducks?

 

[needlessjunk]

Yes, I am. I will be getting 3-6 khaki campbells.

You can start with a tote but they will outgrow it in about a week, sooner if you have 6. This kiddie pool lasted from 4 days to 5 weeks. The first pic is when tben first went in and the second was taken a few days ago before they were moved. It wasn't even staying clean for 24 hours so they outgrew it about a week ago. Ir was just too cold to move them into the garage.

This is their new brooder till the weather warms up. They are 6 weeks old.

You can use whatever you have on hand. For me we have kiddie pools because I have small kids and picked a few up off of Craigslist. I just hope the pics can give you an idea of how quickly they grow and some different options you have.

 

[Chicks Galore3]

Oh my the grow so fast!! I have chickens so I expected rapid growth, but not that rapid! The 3-6 is because I can only get them straight run. (Unless I want to pay $70+) So I will be getting 6 and hoping for at least 3 females. The rest I will be giving to a friend. I may keep one drake...how many females to 1 drake? (Am I using duck terminology right? )

 

[Miss Lydia]

Oh my the grow so fast!! I have chickens so I expected rapid growth, but not that rapid!

The 3-6 is because I can only get them straight run. (Unless I want to pay $70+) So I will be getting 6 and hoping for at least 3 females. The rest I will be giving to a friend. I may keep one drake...how many females to 1 drake? (Am I using duck terminology right?

)

3-4 ducks per drake is usually the norm

 

[Chicks Galore3]

Ok, thanks! My ducks will not be living with my chickens, but they will be free ranging with them. I've heard that some people have problems with their drake hurting a hen because he tried to mate with her. Should I be concerned about this?

 

[needlessjunk]

Ok, thanks! My ducks will not be living with my chickens, but they will be free ranging with them. I've heard that some people have problems with their drake hurting a hen because he tried to mate with her. Should I be concerned about this?

I think if you have enough females it shouldn't be an issue but it's something to look out for. Straight runs are had to say if you will get 50/50 or more males. They are suppose to be the natural ratio but my last 2 I got were straight run were all male and that seems to happen quiet a bit.