Ducklings Swim In Creek?

[Quackattack717]

I just wanted to ask when it is safe to let my ducklings swim in our creek? We want to introduce it as early as possible so they are use to it and not scared. They will be 4 weeks on Monday! Oh how they have grown. They’re flakey, and we’ve been letting them swim in the bathtub on weekends, but the week days are too crazy busy to get them inside for a swim.

With our Rouens it was warm enough for them to come out to the creek every night while we did the chores for all the other animals. It is fall now, temps are chilly where we are in PA. If they swim and we bring them inside after and dry them in front of the heater, will they be okay?

 

[Quackattack717]

 

[WannaBeHillBilly]

They will show you if they don't like it and with four weeks they are old enough to face some cold water. Just make sure they can get out by themselves and that the current isn't too strong. - And watch them, of course.

 

[KaleIAm]

I would wait until they have adult feathers and their preen gland is fully functional so they are waterproof. In my opinion they are far too little.

Also please be very careful so they don't get swept downstream.

 

[Quackattack717]

They had a blast and met their sister Shadow who just lost her sister to a predator. She was very tolerant of them, and I can’t wait until they are old enough to move out with her so she isn’t so lonely.

 

[KaleIAm]

Oh that's much milder than I was imagining! The creek near us is more like a mini river. I'm glad it went well.

 

[Quackattack717]

It turns into a raging river when we gets lots of rain. But it really is the most perfect creek for ducks. Our older ducks love it! I’m glad I took the risk, they really enjoyed it and they aren’t flaky anymore!

 

[KaleIAm]

View attachment 1944438 View attachment 1944439
It turns into a raging river when we gets lots of rain. But it really is the most perfect creek for ducks. Our older ducks love it! I’m glad I took the risk, they really enjoyed it and they aren’t flaky anymore!

Looks like duck paradise! And you don't have to scrub it!

 

[Mybackyardpeepers]

My three were in their duck pool today even though it's raining. My ducklings are getting their adult feathers in and the pool is mostly enclosed out of the weather.

 

[WannaBeHillBilly]

My ducks wish we had such a nice creek! - Glad the 'lings liked it, they really look like they enjoyed it!

My ducks are so disappointed with me now: I extended the little drainage ditch on the hill-site behind the house and now their favorite mud-pit dried out! Imagine 20 ducks standing around a former mud filled puddle quacking angrily…