Help, what do I do differently in a duck brooder set up?

[Mac22]

Hi all,
For the first time, I am getting ducklings. I will be picking up two female runner ducklings at the same time I get chicken eggs for my incubator in a couple of days. I have no idea what I need to do differently for ducklings if anything. I read use blankets instead of wood chips. Is that necessary? Do I keep them warm as I do with chicks using my red bulb heat lamp? What about water? Do ducklings need water to play in or can they drown like chicks if there is too much water. Any advice is welcome. Thanks so much.

 

[LaFemmeKatia]

They need water to be deep enough for them to wash their bills. They don’t really need swimming water in their brooder, but I used to let mine swim in the bathtub for a little. It helped keep them clean, as ducklings can be dirty! They like to get poop and water everywhere.
Other than that, you can do the same as with chicks for food and heat.

 

[Mac22]

They need water to be deep enough for them to wash their bills. They don’t really need swimming water in their brooder, but I used to let mine swim in the bathtub for a little. It helped keep them clean, as ducklings can be dirty! They like to get poop and water everywhere.
Other than that, you can do the same as with chicks for food and heat.

Thanks so much for the response. We have a little pet pool for them to use this summer but right now I guess the bathtub is the best option. Good to hear the rest is the same as chicks.

 

[Ratchnick]

Go to lowes and get a paint roller tray, and put a paint screen in the tray. Put The water dish on the screen. This will keep the bedding dry.

https://www.amazon.com/Home-X-Rolle...ocphy=9033846&hvtargid=pla-402894945495&psc=1

 

[Mac22]

That is a great idea. Thanks. Just got my two ducklings today!

 

[Toryhillc]

Go to lowes and get a paint roller tray, and put a paint screen in the tray. Put The water dish on the screen. This will keep the bedding dry.

https://www.amazon.com/Home-X-Rolle...ocphy=9033846&hvtargid=pla-402894945495&psc=1

Thats a great idea!