- Jul 17, 2012
- 2
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Hi there--my family and I just acquired 2 ducks a few weeks ago. We went to the hay and feed store intending to buy chickens, but could not resist the ducks 
We have a 3 week old Pekin named Steve and a Cayuga named (Mr.?) Peepers.
We also have three cats, a lop bunny and a dog.
It has been a big learning curve since I have never raised ducklings. First thing I can say, for us, is that they didn't need the heat lamp--I kept their room very warm instead. Day one home, I tried the heat lamp, but nearly burned down our house--it fell off the side of the plastic container and started to ignite the shavings--very scary. We kept Steve and Peepers in our office/spare room and used a portable heater to warm up the room instead--it stayed very warm in there and we kept a small light on all the time. I also learned that Viva paper towels worked best for us as bedding. Absorbed a lot and easy cleanup @ 4 times a day.
At three weeks old, I moved the ducklings outside--I converted the chicken coop to a duck coop by removing the interior perch. They seem to be fine so far at night--no extra heat, water or food--I put them in at 8-9 pm and get them out at @ 6:30 am. They have a pen with a dirt/rock floor as well as some fake grass--easy hose down or sweep down clean up in the evening. I also put in a small plastic pool which they love--it's filthy by the end of the day, but from what I've read, I think that is okay--I can't imagine cleaning it out over and over again all day long--new water in the pool each morning. They have access to food and fresh water all day. I also put a tarp over one end of the coop for shade and will also pull it over the top during rainy season here.
I have learned a lot so far on this website--thanks for all the great info!
We have a 3 week old Pekin named Steve and a Cayuga named (Mr.?) Peepers.
We also have three cats, a lop bunny and a dog.
It has been a big learning curve since I have never raised ducklings. First thing I can say, for us, is that they didn't need the heat lamp--I kept their room very warm instead. Day one home, I tried the heat lamp, but nearly burned down our house--it fell off the side of the plastic container and started to ignite the shavings--very scary. We kept Steve and Peepers in our office/spare room and used a portable heater to warm up the room instead--it stayed very warm in there and we kept a small light on all the time. I also learned that Viva paper towels worked best for us as bedding. Absorbed a lot and easy cleanup @ 4 times a day.
At three weeks old, I moved the ducklings outside--I converted the chicken coop to a duck coop by removing the interior perch. They seem to be fine so far at night--no extra heat, water or food--I put them in at 8-9 pm and get them out at @ 6:30 am. They have a pen with a dirt/rock floor as well as some fake grass--easy hose down or sweep down clean up in the evening. I also put in a small plastic pool which they love--it's filthy by the end of the day, but from what I've read, I think that is okay--I can't imagine cleaning it out over and over again all day long--new water in the pool each morning. They have access to food and fresh water all day. I also put a tarp over one end of the coop for shade and will also pull it over the top during rainy season here.
I have learned a lot so far on this website--thanks for all the great info!
from Ohio. So glad to have you aboard. 
