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ducklings and water

Discussion in 'Feeding & Watering Your Flock' started by D Moose, Apr 13, 2011.

Most Liked Posts
  1. Apr 13, 2011 #1
    D Moose

    D Moose Out Of The Brooder

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    Apr 11, 2011
    I brought home 6 ducklings yesterday to add to 6 chicks I brought home a couple days ago. I filled a lasagna pan with water and added some crumbles. Ducks seem to love the idea. Is there any reason why I should not do this? Will they get too cold? They seem to wade around for a few minutes and then run under the light.
     
  3. Apr 13, 2011 #2
    Darklingstorm

    Darklingstorm Chillin' With My Peeps

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    Jan 10, 2011
    Durant, Oklahoma
    Are the ducklings in with the chickens?
    If they are, IMO you need to separate them. Ducklings can handle being wet a lot better then chicks and your chicks could get chilled due to the water the ducklings bring back on them.
    I also prefer to keep the ducklings food dry, bacteria can grow fast in the warm air of a brooder, but I also make sure that my ducklings have lots of clean water every day.
    I first I was worried about my ducklings being wet & cold too. So I gave them lots of water in a container that they could not swim in. Then once a day I would give them a warm bath in our tub. My hubby and son would watch over them, while I cleaned out their brooder box, then would slowly carry each one back in a towel to get off excess water. Of course I only have 2 ducklings so it wasn't that hard for me to do.

    I have my 2 ducklings and 4 chicks that are in a fenced off "playground" outside and they are doing great, but at night they sleep separately because of the dampness of the ducks.
     
  5. Apr 13, 2011 #3
    Scottingitup

    Scottingitup Chillin' With My Peeps

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    Nov 18, 2010
    Crestview, FL
    Build a water porch/patio. I can take pics of my setup if needed.
     
  7. Apr 13, 2011 #4
    backyardmenagerie

    backyardmenagerie Chillin' With My Peeps

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    Mar 13, 2011
    Kansas
    Quote:Yes, please! I'm looking for ideas for my own ducklings.
     
  9. Apr 13, 2011 #5
    D Moose

    D Moose Out Of The Brooder

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    Apr 11, 2011
    I fixed up a seperate "water park" box for the ducks with yet another light to warm up after swims. At night, I'll put them back in the bigger brooder with the chicks. Hopefully, this will make everyone happy.
     
  11. Apr 13, 2011 #6
    WalkerH

    WalkerH Chillin' With My Peeps

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    Apr 5, 2011
    Southern Maryland, USA
    I thought ducklings weren't suppose to swim unsupervised for the first few weeks, at least that is what I've read.
     

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