Greetings from Texas!

[DuckyPotter22]

Hello y'all,

I am a first-time poster on BackYard Chickens and very new to owning a duck! I got Rodger here about three weeks ago and this photo was taken about a week ago. I have been wondering exactly what kind of duck he is. I just wanted to know if there is any specific things I should be doing to take of Rodger. Rodger prefers to be inside and to follow me around but when my friends come over he seems to be more interested in them than with me. Is that normal? I have been feeding him chick feed that has twenty percent protein in it that I bought at local feed store. When he gets older, what kind of diet do I put him on? Sorry for all the questions, but I am very new to this and I was hoping that any of y'all could help answer any of my multitude of questions would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks again,
DuckyPotter22

 

[N F C]

Hi, welcome to BYC!

What a cute duck Rodger is. I'm a chicken person, never had ducks, but there are a lot of members here that do keep them and maybe one will come along and help id him.

In the meantime, you can find some of the answers you are looking for in the Learning Center and on the duck forum:
https://www.backyardchickens.com/a/other-backyard-poultry-ducks-quail-turkeys-geese-etc

https://www.backyardchickens.com/f/42/ducks

Good luck to you and nice to have you here!

 

[N F C]

Oops, sorry..I just saw where you posted this on the duck forum.

 

[Amiga]

Here is a good Sticky for you and Rodger. He is a crested duck, possibly crested Buff? We shall see.

https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/750869/raising-and-caring-for-ducklings#post_10611711

I would start putting a tablespoon of brewer's yeast (not baking yeast) into his food daily. He has shown no health problems, but he is a crested, and they can have neurological issues. Many are just fine, by the way. Extra B vitamins can really help a duckling on chick starter.

Please ask any and all questions, share photo's and stories - the Duck Forum is full of people who love ducks. Some of us are beyond the duckling phase, and yet we miss the pitter patter of those webbed feet.

Ducks are flock animals. Since Rodger is a single duckling, please be on the lookout for signs of anxiety. When ducklings are alone it is stressful for them (at least 99% of them!) You might consider getting Rodger a buddy. Or an unbreakable mirror and a stuffed washable toy. Or, just keep him with you 24/7, 366.

Actually, some of us do. I am not one - we have thirteen ducks, they keep each other company when I cannot be with them.