How deep?

[DaSouthernYankee]

They can swim as soon as they can walk, but if they were hatched in a brooder they will not be waterproof, and a waterlogged duckling can get hypothermic (too cold) and it can drown if the water is too deep and it can't get out. Ducklings that hatch under momma ducks get oils transferred from the momma duck which makes them waterproof.

@DaSouthernYankee, I think what you are doing with them now is perfectly fine and very safe.

This is what Metzer Farms says about water:
"Ducklings and goslings can be introduced to swimming water as early as one week of age but you must be very careful. They must be able to walk in and out of the water very easily. The water should not be too cold and they must be able to find their heat lamp for rewarming without difficulty. As they have no oil on their feathers at this age, they cannot be in the water for long periods or they will become waterlogged and chilled. Do not allow this to happen! But this exposure to water speeds the development of their oil gland and they can probably be swimming freely by five or six weeks of age."
Source:http://www.metzerfarms.com/RearingInstructions.cfm?affiliate=undef&CustID=22018165

Thank you for the info!! I’m just pretty new to this but so in love with them and wanna make sure they’re happy and healthy!

 

[casportpony]

Thank you for the info!! I’m just pretty new to this but so in love with them and wanna make sure they’re happy and healthy!

They are adorable, and it looks like you're doing all the right stuff.

 

[Anna Ranieri]

They can swim as soon as they can walk, but if they were hatched in a brooder they will not be waterproof, and a waterlogged duckling can get hypothermic (too cold) and it can drown if the water is too deep and it can't get out. Ducklings that hatch under momma ducks get oils transferred from the momma duck which makes them waterproof.

@DaSouthernYankee, I think what you are doing with them now is perfectly fine and very safe.

This is what Metzer Farms says about water:
"Ducklings and goslings can be introduced to swimming water as early as one week of age but you must be very careful. They must be able to walk in and out of the water very easily. The water should not be too cold and they must be able to find their heat lamp for rewarming without difficulty. As they have no oil on their feathers at this age, they cannot be in the water for long periods or they will become waterlogged and chilled. Do not allow this to happen! But this exposure to water speeds the development of their oil gland and they can probably be swimming freely by five or six weeks of age."
Source:http://www.metzerfarms.com/RearingInstructions.cfm?affiliate=undef&CustID=22018165

Spot on! Brilliant advice.