Duckling super small compared to others

[Claudine19]

I've got six healthy Pekin ducklings that are three weeks old today. Two of them are pretty small compared to the others should I get worried? I weighted them and they both are 175 grams compared to 400 grams for the others which is more then double the size . They are acting healthy and lively, are eating and playing arround. Could the size be any indication to their genders? Or could they have an underlying issue?

 

[Stipenvlerk]

I've got six healthy Pekin ducklings that are three weeks old today. Two of them are pretty small compared to the others should I get worried? I weighted them and they both are 175 grams compared to 400 grams for the others which is more then double the size . They are acting healthy and lively, are eating and playing arround. Could the size be any indication to their genders? Or could they have an underlying issue?

Maybe stating the obvious but are you sure about the parents being pekings?

 

[Claudine19]

Maybe stating the obvious but are you sure about the parents being pekings?

That could explain it! The guy I bought the eggs from also had grey Indian runner and khaki Campbell mixes with his pure bred pekins but I personally don't find many similarities with my ducklings and these other breeds. I had one brown duckling from that hatch( hatched from a chicken size egg) that was clearly a runner or kakhi mix both look and personnality wise ( more flighty and active). Do you think they look like mixes? Here's photos from today!

 

[ShelbyD91]

THEY are SO COOOT! So I’m still fairly new to ducks myself. Have you tried giving them some vitamins in their water? Sometimes it’s just a vitamin deficiency. You can buy the powder stuff at tractor supply for a few dollars. I’ve read some use Gatorade.

 

[Claudine19]

THEY are SO COOOT! So I’m still fairly new to ducks myself. Have you tried giving them some vitamins in their water? Sometimes it’s just a vitamin deficiency. You can buy the powder stuff at tractor supply for a few dollars. I’ve read some use Gatorade.

Thank you! They are the sweetest little guys I've been giving them lots of Niacin but no other vitamins. I'll make sure to go grab them some! Thanks a lot I might have been spoiling them with to many vegetables they were basically refusing to eat their crumbles without any veggies in it so I'm working on that!

 

[ShelbyD91]

Haha I think we all secretly give our feather babies too many treats from time to time. I know I do it. Especially when I first started with ducks. Just please make sure to offer some grit with their treats. I know peas are a great treat and is rich in niacin. I just buy the cheap frozen bags and put them in their water bowl. I’m so so so excited for you. You gonna have a lot of fun.