Getting my first ducks!

[Munkeesmama]

I'm going to the darkside...I said I would stop at chickens, BUT, my first ducklings are coming from Ideal on Wednesday. I ordered 5 cayugas, and 5 hatchery choice. Excited to see what they'll send. We'll only be keeping 3-4 though. My kids will be so excited. Any tips for a new duck owner?

 

[DuckLover179]

YAY!!! My ducklings just came a few days ago. I hated waiting for them to arrive, but they are here now!!! Okay so, just don't stress about it. I was worried about every possible thing, but to be honest the ducklings don't care. Just make sure to do these daily: Clean their bedding (Mine are on puppy pads.), clean their water (They are messy eaters, and will drop food in it), check the temp (It should be at 90 degrees, or at least as close as possible.), cuddle with them (You need to imprint on them, so they will know you are their mom), and make sure they have food. It sounds like alot, but I do all that in like 10 minutes!

Good luck with your ducks! They are soo much fun!

 

[Munkeesmama]

Thanks for your input. We're getting excited for them to come!

 

[DuckyMom]

The three big issues are: warm, clean, and dry!

Temp should start at 90 and go down 5 degrees a week.

Keep them clean! We change the bedding once to twice a day. If they get really dirty as a last resort you can use a warm damp cloth to clean them off. dry them off with a towel and be sure they stay nice and warm afterwards.

And finally resist the urge to put your little fuzz butts in the tub! Ducklings do NOT get to swim until their feathers start coming in. with out their mother's oil they are not water proof and can become water logged and drown or freeze to death.
Once they start swimming keep an eye on them and only let them swim for short ammounts of time. Water should be shallow and have an easily available exit. Ducklings must be supervised because they are at risk of drowning up to 3 months of age.

Sorry to be such a downer! On a happier note: Snuggles are the best way to get happy healthy duckies in my oppinion!

Get ready to become addicted! Post lots of pictures! and good luck!
Emily

 

[treldib]

I may have missed it, but what sex did you choose? Some pretty horrific things can happen without a proper male-female ratio. You should have 1 Drake (Male) for every 3-9 Females.

I also suggest you order or check out the book "Storey's Guide to Raising Ducks".

Good Luck!~ They are hard work, but wayy too fun and cute for their own good