Hello all, my name is katie and i am a new duckling owner.

[kt4407]

Glad you're here !

A must have for your poultry is a FIRST AID KIT for any issues that would arise. (https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/suggestions-for-a-first-aid-kit.1150128/)
It's definitely better to have it and not need it rather than need it and not have it.

Also, make sure your coop(s) have a proper amount of VENTILATION. (https://www.backyardchickens.com/ar...-there-and-cut-more-holes-in-your-coop.47774/) Your chickens will absolutely thank you for it!

One last thing, if you're into gardening, feel free to join this years SEED SWAP (https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/seed-swap.1220129/)

thank you so much! I cant even grow weeds so gardening is out for me> lol

 

[Tawnya Blackburn]

Fyi, I also have 5 dogs who are very curious about the new ducklings.

I also have 5 dogs. They were curious at first then really didn't pay that much attention to them after the first month.

 

[CayugaJana]

My lab wanted to eat my ducklings for dinner until they stopped peeping. Then he couldn’t care less about them.

 

[Miss Lydia]

If the dogs have access to the ducklings in the crate I'd put something around the outside like plastic poultry fencing so the ducklings can't stick their heads out. I love my dogs but they do not do well with baby poultry, once adults they are fine but peeping brings out the prey drive in them[ Dachshunds]

Those ducklings are adorable.

When I have babies inside they go up on the table out of dog reach.

 

[kt4407]

If the dogs have access to the ducklings in the crate I'd put something around the outside like plastic poultry fencing so the ducklings can't stick their heads out. I love my dogs but they do not do well with baby poultry, once adults they are fine but peeping brings out the prey drive in them[ Dachshunds]

Those ducklings are adorable.

When I have babies inside they go up on the table out of dog reach.

Mine are also on a table out of reach. The dogs are just very curious about their new friends.

 

[kt4407]

Should I handle the ducklings? ive read conflicting post about handling or not handling. I want them to be friendly but how much is too much?

 

[kt4407]

Any idea what breed my ducklings are?

 

[Miss Lydia]

Make me think Khaki Campbell. Yes handle them now, as they grow up they will not want to be held but you want them use to you. Give them swim time in nice warm water in the tub you'll have to pick them up for getting them in and also out to pat dry before putting them back under heat lamp.

Some ducklings seem to enjoy being snuggled and some don't you'll just have to see with yours. None of my adult ducks like to be held but my drake will let me pick him up and snuggle him. They will eat out of my hand though.

 

[Hen Pen Jem]

Greetings kt4407, Welcome to BYC!
Dogs have strong prey drive, and ducks are prey. But, if you train your dogs not to bark or chase the ducks, they can be protectors for your flock.

 

[Firegal1056]

Fyi, I also have 5 dogs who are very curious about the new ducklings.

KT- so I got 6 ducklings only 3 days old about 6-7 months ago. I have a bulldog that chases anything and everything out of “her backyard”. It’s fenced so even when she sees movement at the fence line she will run out her doggie door to protect! So when I told my friends I was getting ducklings they all said there is no way Pearl (bulldog) is going be able to stay away from them. Well I introduced her to them the day I got them and had her help me whenever I cleaned the brooder and let her smell them and always used the command gentle. She had a kiddie pool as did they. They live in complete harmony now. She loves them and they don’t mind her at all- except she likes their water and loves their food!!! The picture was this past summer when they were still small.