Grandparents bought kids 2 ducklings, I need help!

[Dobela]

About 2 weeks ago my parents let my kids buy 11 chicks and 2 ducklings at Atwoods. I didn't have room in my brooder so the ducklings moved 'next door' into a kiddie pool and wire surround. I know nothing about ducks. I was prepared for the chicks.

I don't know how old the ducks are or what kind. I assume Peking. My mom said the sign only said "Ducks"Right now the ducks won't stay in the pool. They have figured out how to climb the sides and get betweenthe wire and the curled edge of the pool. The are now large enough they can't go thru the wire thankfully. We did put down pieces of boards as steps so they can climb back in, but we have no evidence of them doing that. They are almost impossible to catch, and if I do, they climb back out as fast as possible.

I am feeding them baby duck food that the bird lady at Atwoods said they needed. They are getting fresh water daily in their tiny pool.

The tail feathers are starting to grow and are almost translucent.

We are building a large coop and a huge run. I was hoping to let the ducks hang out with the chickens. We will have 35 chickens, mostly smaller and medium sized ones. The coop is 12x12 and the run will be about 500sqft. Can they live together successfully? What do I need to do for the ducks other than their food and pools? When can they be let out?

The wire cage is now outside of the blue pool but this will help you see the set up.

Thanks so much!

 

[duckyfromoz]

One is a crested duckling- the one with the little top knot - and they both look to have some colour to them as well- so they will most likel have some colour other than white. I can see than their legs are nor orange - also indicating a coloured duckling.

They can live together- but there can be some problems. Mostly with the mess that ducks make with water- but also drakes can sometimes try to mate with a chicken- which because of the difference in anotomy can be danerous to the chicken.

 

[MissusDee]

I don't think they are pekins, maybe buffs, or welsh harlequins? (hard to tell from picture, trying to make out the bills). One is obviously crested. Cute.

 

[desertdarlene]

I was thinking WH, too, when I first saw them, but I'm still learning. A couple of cuties!

 

[Dobela]

Thank you. I will try to take better pictures of the beaks tomorrow, and their feet as well. Their feet are a very pale color. My son will be thrilled to know the one will keep it's crest. He says he bought it because it had the best afro LOL.