Getting my first ducklings this week..

[Puddle Foot Farm]

Hi guys!

This is my first post to the duck forum, and I am very proud to say that I am getting my first ducklings this week from Ideal! I am getting 1 cayuga male, 2 cayuga pullets, and 2 crested blue swedish pullets along with my 2 saddleback pomeranian geese. I have taken care of a plethora of poultry before.. At least 100 chickens through the years, 8 goslings last year, and 10 more this year. Is there anything duck specific? I'm guessing they need fresh greens daily, lower protein as they get older, and constant access to fresh water to clean our their nostrils like geese do.. But anything special? I'm planning on brooding my ducklings with the goslings that come with them. They will most likely be in a cardboard box at first with newspaper and hay, then they will be upgraded to a kiddie pool as they get bigger before they get moved outside. I am beyond excited for them!

Thanks for any advice,
Chelsea

 

[ChickenToes]

It sounds like you have it all figured out!

I can only think of two things: I suggest adding niacin to their diet, either in the form of brewer's yeast or niacin tablets. Also, they make such a mess with their water that a cardboard box is probably not the best brooder. I suggest a Rubbermaid tote or something similar that's easy to clean.

Good luck and have fun!

 

[gryeyes]

Ooooh, you're getting Cayugas! I love my pair.

Here's what helped with waterer mess in my duckling brooder: Get an empty Cool Whip container, cut a slice out of the lid, put a nice clean rock in the bottom of the tub, add water, put the lid back on. (You might also put the tub on a baking sheet, to keep some of the bill dribble out of the bedding.)

They can get their bills and heads into the water, but not get their whole bodies into it. The rock helps hold down the tub so they don't tip it if they climb all over it.

Helped a lot!

 

[Puddle Foot Farm]

Quote:

GENIUS! I have been trying to figure out a way to cut down on yucky duck mess, which I've heard is worse than geese. And you are now my savior!

ChickenToes, thanks for the heads up about the cardboard. I completely forgot about the rubbermaid tubs I have outside, which I'd rather brood in anyways. AND, thank you for the niacin reminder! I need to tattoo that on myself or something, I've remembered and forgot about it at least 30 times.