ducklings growing so fast-space ideas help needed please?

[willowbirdks]

I waited till 8 weeks, and it was because I did not have the water management really nailed. I had made progress, but there was still quite a mess overnight. I have seen these ideas and should I ever brood a big bunch of ducklings (we had eleven, which is not the biggest bunch I have heard of) again, I will go with a watering station like I have now for the adults. Works great. These are also good ideas https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/641902/created-a-water-saver-for-my-duck-brooder https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/679433/water-water-everywhere/10 https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/858161/feed-water-solution-for-brooder#post_12901321 [COLOR=0047A4]http://frankiemakes.blogspot.ca/2012/06/watering-solution-for-ducks.html[/COLOR]

Thanks, we have tried some of these ideas with mixed results. Water water everywhere, indeed! Do you have equine bedding in the bottom of a dog kennel? And it mostly contains the mess? I have seen you post this photo and been wanting to ask for details...

 

[Richb353]

I put mine out around 2 weeks into the basketball court sized pasture I have fenced for them. I'm in Florida, so cold temps were not a concern. The shed/kiddie pool brooder quickly became too small for 21 little fertilizer factories!



Their 10'x10' pen is a good size for 21 little ones and I only let them out supervised. Inside their pen is half of a dog crate for privacy, but they never used it. Food, water, and a small shallow container to splash in were filled daily. At that age my absolute biggest concern is predators.

They are full sized now and free range at will during the day unsupervised. They return to their pen at dusk every night. My biggest concern is still predators.

Figuring these things out is part of the adventure, enjoy your ducklings,
Rich

 

[Amiga]

Thanks, we have tried some of these ideas with mixed results. Water water everywhere, indeed! Do you have equine bedding in the bottom of a dog kennel? And it mostly contains the mess? I have seen you post this photo and been wanting to ask for details...

yes, the compressed sawdust. I don't premoisten it - the ducks take care of the wetting.