First time duck owner- am I doing it right?

[clucknpeck]

I just went and picked up 5 ducklings today! My feed store is only getting in straight run so even though I want 2-3 layer ducks I got 5 ducklings to be on the safe side. I picked the brown ones in hopes that they are khaki Campbell's, the black one in the hope it is a Cayuga, and the blueish and yellow one my sister thought was cool and I agreed.
Anyway, a couple questions... I am using a little giant one quart chick waterer for them right now. Is that deep enough that they can submerge their head or should I use something else?
I have a bowel of flock raiser for them. Is this what they need? It was all the feed store had.
I have successfully brooded 23 chicks, and I know this will be a bit different. What are the main differences in raising ducklings rather than chickens, is there anything I should look out for?

Thanks!

 

[QuackerJackFarms]

Sounds like you know what you're doing. But one thing you need to know.

Ducks are so stinkin' MESSY! Get some puppy pads from the Dollar General and put under the straw. It will help.

You have some cuties there!

 

[clucknpeck]

Thanks for the tip! I will definitely do that.

 

[QuackerJackFarms]

There will come a time when even that won't work. lol. but it makes clean up easier. I've also been putting a saucer plate under the waterer and it's helping catch the spillage. But really .. there comes a time when they just have to go outside! Good thing they're cute!

 

[clucknpeck]

They definitely are quakerjack!

My ducklings are so terrified of me. Every time I enter the room they stop what their doing and run into the corner. My chicks weren't this scared. Will they get over it? Any bonding tips?

 

[Kevin565]

I just went and picked up 5 ducklings today! My feed store is only getting in straight run so even though I want 2-3 layer ducks I got 5 ducklings to be on the safe side. I picked the brown ones in hopes that they are khaki Campbell's, the black one in the hope it is a Cayuga, and the blueish and yellow one my sister thought was cool and I agreed.
Anyway, a couple questions...

I am using a little giant one quart chick waterer for them right now. Is that deep enough that they can submerge their head or should I use something else? Yes it is for the time being

I have a bowel of flock raiser for them. Is this what they need? It was all the feed store had Flock raiser works great and is my personal favorite.

I have successfully brooded 23 chicks, and I know this will be a bit different. What are the main differences in raising ducklings rather than chickens, is there anything I should look out for?The mess. Ducks are naturally messy. Also DO NOT forget to add Niacin supplements. Ducks need more Niacin than chickens do. If they don't get it, it can cause health issues
Thanks!

They definitely are quakerjack!
My ducklings are so terrified of me. Every time I enter the room they stop what their doing and run into the corner. My chicks weren't this scared. Will they get over it? Any bonding tips?

They will probably warm up to you eventually. A good way to bond is to put a little feed in your hand so they must eat from it. It works for me. Also Peas are a great bribe

 

[Amiga]

Congratulations, they are beautiful!

Sounds like you are starting out well. A little chick grit, just a teaspoon a day in their feed will help them be able to digest treats. For getting them used to you, try sitting with them (in a safe area where they cannot get too far away from you) and rolling a pea or two toward them. Once they discover how delicious they are, see if you can hold some peas in your hand for them. Eventually, you could probably half close your hand around the peas and then the ducks must stick their bill into your hand to get the peas. It takes lots of time and patience, and you need to progress slowly, but it can work.

There also comes a time with many ducklings at about 3 weeks of age, that they become terrified of people. Just keep up with the quiet sitting nearby and offering treats. They come out of it after a while, sometimes after several weeks.

Ducklings need to be able to wash their entire heads frequently, so some kind of head wash, or daily bath time at least is healthier for them. Baths must be monitored closely, and may only last five minutes at first. Water needs to be warm, not hot (85 to 90F), and they need to go back to a clean warm dry brooder right afterward, with help drying off if they need it (washcloth works).

Enjoy them, they grow faster than anything!