How long before introducing ducklings to water sources for swimming

[rochesjourney]

Hi all, I currently have Welsh Harlequin Eggs in my incubator. At what age is it safe to introduce the ducklings to water sources for swimming and dipping their beaks? Do they need to be feathered out first?

 

[chickens really]

Your Ducklings can have water to dip their heads in at the first feeding...Very important so they can keep their nares clear....Swimming can be done on the second day in your bath tub..Put the water at a warmer temp just deep enough to swim but still stand up...They will love it....Then dry them off with a towel,and put back into the brooder till they dry......


Cheers!

 

[rochesjourney]

Your Ducklings can have water to dip their heads in at the first feeding...Very important so they can keep their nares clear....Swimming can be done on the second day in your bath tub..Put the water at a warmer temp just deep enough to swim but still stand up...They will love it....Then dry them off with a towel,and put back into the brooder till they dry......


Cheers!

I wonder who is going to love that more.....the ducklings or me!

 

[Ducks4us]

Your Ducklings can have water to dip their heads in at the first feeding...Very important so they can keep their nares clear....Swimming can be done on the second day in your bath tub..Put the water at a warmer temp just deep enough to swim but still stand up...They will love it....Then dry them off with a towel,and put back into the brooder till they dry......


Cheers!

agree, i also let them swim the second day, i put towels at the shallow end they can climb onto , amd just deep enough to float at the deep end. i never leave unsupervised, not even for a min.
they are not waterproof yet so they will soak up water. as soon as they get that wet or earlier if they seem to be ready to get out. and then under the heat to help them dry. i never towel dry tho. its good to let them learn to preen and get started early using their oil glad. its so good for them .
and i seem to enjoy watching them swim as much as they enjoy swimming. its so cute to watch a couple day old duckling dive under water !!

 

[lindsbradway]

I introduced my ducklings to water on day 3 and they loved it. I put wash cloths in the shallow end too and they climbed all over it and dived, oh my goodness it's adorable! I can't wait for my eggs to hatch and go through this process again!