How many times are you supposed to feed ducklings?

[oyenatalie]

Is there a certain amount of times you're supposed to present them some food? Or are they supposed to have it 24/7. Up until now, I've kept the food with my duckling. Now, he's about 4wks old & he looks kind of ...well, fat S: I don't know if I wasn't supposed to keep the food or if he looks normal. I've never had a duckling before, or anything. I've done my research but most info. sites only tell me what to feed him, and what not to feed him. I've yet to read somewhere that tells me how much S: Or maybe I missed it, I'm not sure. But, if anyone has any pictures of 4wk ducklings...I'd like to see what they look like, so I can see how big they're supposed to be at that age. He's a Mallard, btw.
&I'm sorry if this question sounds dumb, but I reaaaallyy need to know.

Thankss!

 

[Amiga]

The first six weeks I had food and water available 24/7. Now (after six weeks) I have it so that I give them food and water in the daytime only, and we will be transitioning to feeding time in the morning and in the evening, with water available all day for drinking and swimming.

They grow fast, get HUGE quickly, then at about 5 or 6 weeks the exterior growth slows down, and I think their energy goes into feathers and internal organs and sexual maturity.