Ducklings!!!

[Dfarago]

Thank you all for the advice.

 

[Miss Lydia]

What have you decided?

 

[Dfarago]

So an update. We’re going to see how the mom does with them since it seems like mother knows best. But we’re going to handle them as much as possible. Several times a day if possible. (Unless that’s too much? Is it?)
Now a new question...
Is there any way to “mark” the ducklings besides trying to identify and remember markings? My husband fell in love with one of them and wants to keep track of it.
Also when will the ducklings be old enough to fend for themselves without mom around? Be warm enough, that kind of stuff.
And here’s some pics of one of our ducklings.

 

[Miss Lydia]

Bring mealworms when you go in to visit mom and ducklings that will help mom with any stress. Ducklings can have them too I just kind of crunch them a little before giving them to the babies. And 2x a day is fine to handle after all their yours lol but what really works best for me is just being with them sit at their level they will get use to you being around and always have treats best way in the world to win over a duck. That is one precious duckling. I have had mamas tire as early as three weeks and others go till 5 usually by 4-5 weeks they have learned all they can from mom. You could put colored tie wraps on each ones leg but you have to keep an eye on that because they grow so fast. Or maybe a permanent marker on top of the head. I know some hatcheries Mark sexes using something similar.

 

[Dfarago]

Bring mealworms when you go in to visit mom and ducklings that will help mom with any stress. Ducklings can have them too I just kind of crunch them a little before giving them to the babies. And 2x a day is fine to handle after all their yours lol but what really works best for me is just being with them sit at their level they will get use to you being around and always have treats best way in the world to win over a duck. That is one precious duckling. I have had mamas tire as early as three weeks and others go till 5 usually by 4-5 weeks they have learned all they can from mom. You could put colored tie wraps on each ones leg but you have to keep an eye on that because they grow so fast. Or maybe a permanent marker on top of the head. I know some hatcheries Mark sexes using something similar.

Thank you, this is super helpful. Is it live mealworms or dried mealworms?

 

[CaliFarmsAR]

Congrats. How many do you have? I love ducklings

 

[Jbently28]

Amazon sells 120 assorted colored leg bands for $10 so you can keep track of who's who.

 

[Dfarago]

Congrats. How many do you have? I love ducklings

I have 11.

 

[happy duck]

Finally the eggs have hatched. We have eleven ducklings. Momma was wonderful with sitting. She’s still broody over her babies. Information about the set up we have. They are outside in the little house they were laid In, which has been given fresh hay. The enclosure is 20 ft long, 7 ft wide and 6 ft tall. Covered in chicken wire so no predators can get in. They have a good amount of shade throughout the day. But they’re too young to be venturing out. I set up a water dish specifically for ducklings in there with some chick starter. So a few questions.
1) when is the safest yet earliest time I can separate the mother from the ducklings? My husband and i are trying to hand raise them as much as possible so they’re socialized to us. The intention is to have the new, more socialized generation be our breeders.
2) I was reading something about niacin and adding that to their food and a higher protein food. Any brand suggestions. (I am on a bit of a budget though)
3) I’m confused about this whole starter and finishing off food stuff. Any way someone can make or link me to a simple chart for how and what kind of food for the different growth cycles.
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Looks like a great mom and babies look so cute! I don't know the answers to all you Q's but can help with the ones I know.
2. Niacin is a great supplement to help ducklings legs grow strong. There are lots of different kinds of niacin but I use brewers yeast. It is a powder that has niacin in it. There is not as much niacin in it as some other things but I used it with my ducklings and all was good. Here is a link(if you have not already gotten some).
3. Here is a great article about feed and the ages for certain feed. I am pretty sure that while you are feeding the ducklings starter it is fine for mama to have that too! Great boost of protein after sitting on eggs for 28+ days. Can't wait to see these babies when they grow up!

 

[Miss Lydia]

Thank you, this is super helpful. Is it live mealworms or dried mealworms?

I use dried.