has anyone actually had a problem with sawdust? (Shavings, oops)

[duck_shepherdess]

Has anyone here actually had a duckling die or have complications from sawdust bedding? I've heard a lot of what can go wrong with it but I'm trying to figure out roughly how often it does cause a problem.

I was supposed to get my ducklings last friday but instead they're supposedly going to be available this friday. I'm just spinning my wheels, I can hardly wait. I figured meanwhile I would just do yet more research. (Ok, and drool over zillions of duckling pictures.)

 

[DuckLover179]

I haven't used any other bedding than puppy training pads. You can buy a pack of 50 at walmart for like $15, I haven't had a single problem with those, and they are very easy to change out every morning!

I wouldn't take a chance with shavings, chips, or sawdust... Just too risky!
Thought I'd start the drooling!

That's their enclosure for right now. I change the puppy pads once daily, and they last a long time. They also have a feather duster, and stuffed animal in there for security. I bought the feeder waterer, and cardboard enclosure at Metzer farms! What kind of ducks are you getting? I have Pekins and they are so ADORABLE!!!

 

[The Duck ABC's]

I would not use sawdust on duckling either. They tent to eat everything in sight, because they don't know any better. Plus their lungs are still very sensitive. I use a wooden crate lined with plastic. Dog pee wee type pads from Walmart (they do come in various sizes) and old cotton towels on top. The food and water dishes are on top of a cookies sheet which is covered with paper towels. Works like a charm. At 2.5 weeks they get moved into the heated duck house and that is when I introduce pine shavings.

 

[HOUSE OF ROCK A DOODLE]

I have used shavings and have never had a problem , but I do like the puppy pad idea and I think that I will try it in the spring , I am hoping that my muscovy ducks give me many ducklings

 

[duckyfromoz]

I have raised over 700 ducklings on pine shavings and never had any die or have complications from pine shavings. Sawdust on the other hand- being smaller particles may cause issues - including from the dust it can create. If the ducklings are kept on a towel for the first few days- they quickly learn where the food is- and although will mouth at the shavings - they will chew on them and spit them out rather than eat them - but again with sawdust being smaller particles- they may actually consume it. I like the shavings as they are biodegradable - and less mess compared with towels as there is nothing to put in the washing machine.

edited to add...I have raised ducklings on straw and newpaper as well- Shavings being the easiest in most ways- as well as inexpensive in comparison to other beddings. Coconut fibre and rice hulls are two products that i would not recommend with ducklings.

 

[duckyfromoz]

Double posting

 

[tia]

I use old towels and rinse them and throw them in the washer. I like the puppy pad idea though... I hate rinsing the towels out. I've always heard the pine shavings aren't good until they are older - I would think sawdust would be worse... they like to eat anything they can.

 

[duck_shepherdess]

Ooops, I meant shavings, not dust.

DuckLover, Too... Much... Cute...

 

[DuckLover179]

Quote:
Thanks! Umm duckyfromoz I guess has had some luck with shavings, as have other people. So, If you want to try it you could. When you first put it in, supervise and if they run their beak through it, it's okay but make sure they don't eat any. I have stayed on puppy pads, because I have shavings for the bunnies, and I put one small piece in front of Waddles, and she gobbled it up! So just be very cautious with shavings, as any other wood bedding. Still I like puppy pads cause they're easier, but whatever you decide is right for your ducklings will be fine... I mean you will know them better than us anyway! Remember a few things about bedding:

1. Keep it as dry as possible
2. Change it everyday
3. Make sure it isn't slick (Ducklings or ducks don't have very stable footing, so when on slick surfaces such as newspaper, they can trip and hurt themselves!)

 

[destinduck]

I like paper towels or regular towels. You gotta change what they walk on everyday anyway. and I dont wont to take a chance on them eating anything BUT the food and water I give them. Then when they are alittle older they are raised on wire(alot less messier)