Ducklings and Feathers

[DuckMom71]

Hi ! I'm new to BYC and raising ducks as pets. I have 6 three week old ducklings,and they're starting to get their tail, wings,and chest feathers. How long does it take for ducklings to be completely feathered? I'm in South Louisiana and weather here just can't make up its mind. LoL Its in the 60s and tonight is their first night out in their pen in their house with heat lamp and of course ventilation. I hope they'll be ok. I'm just little nervous . I'm a first timer. Just wondering how long it takes for them to be completely feathered. Oh and I have 1 duckling that "honks" what does that mean?

 

[cheezenkwackers]

In there house they should be fine. Be careful with that heat lamp! What you are calling honking is probably a female. They go through there voice change first and make funny, loud noises.

 

[Miss Lydia]

By 6 weeks they should be fully feathered. Can we see pics please.

 

[FortCluck]

What type of ducklings do you have?

 

[DuckMom71]

In there house they should be fine. Be careful with that heat lamp! What you are calling honking is probably a female. They go through there voice change first and make funny, loud noises.

Thank you! I'm being very careful with the heat lamp. I only have one out of 6 honking. Oh goodness I hope I have more than one female. I feel like if I have more drakes than females I'll have to separate them. Right?

 

[Miss Lydia]

Not till next spring probably. I have a 4.5 months old Runner drake that still isn't mating. So you'll just have to keep an eye on things. Plus 3 weeks you still have time to hear more honking.

 

[chickens really]

What breeds are they? Post pictures

 

[DuckMom71]

Not till next spring probably. I have a 4.5 months old Runner drake that still isn't mating. So you'll just have to keep an eye on things. Plus 3 weeks you still have time to hear more honking.

Thank you for the advice. I'm a first timer raising ducks as pets and so far so good. I just want them safe and healthy. I'm like a moma hen constantly checking on her babies

 

[Duckfarmer1]

From your aviator they look like pekins? But hard to tell....we all want pictures...lol

 

[chickens really]

From your aviator they look like pekins? But hard to tell....we all want pictures...lol

Good eye...
I'm thinking white layers. Actually a duel purpose Duck. Meat and eggs. They have flesh coloured bills unlike the orange of a Pekin.