How old are these runner ducklings?

[LongDuckDong]

I just got these 2 runners from a local pond where someone dropped them off, and was wondering how old they are, so I'd know when I could let them outside in the yard on their own, etc.

For reference, this is a standard-sized apartment bathtub (no, not gonna keep them in the apartment!). About a foot tall when they stand up straight.

I only had Layena pellets that we usually feed the wild ducks, but not I'm reading that's not good for them, so feel free to also recommend an alternate feed.

 

[70%cocoa]

The poor little things, how can people be so cruel as to dump them like that. Well done on the rescue!!! You're like a ducky super-hero

Laying feed has too much calcium for growing ducks - so wait another 4 months before giving them that. For now, get some pullet grower for them and a niacin supplement. Or you can use gamebird maintanence feed. The two things to look for in feed are that the feed is suitable for birds that are not laying and also that the feed has less than 18% protein (ideally about 15-16%). You can feed them this kind of feed for the next 4 months, then they can go on layer food.

They will also enjoy fresh greens (e.g. any leafy greens) and thawed frozen peas. A good range of fresh greens is a great way to supplement their diet in a healthy way. They will also like young grass cut up small and put in a bowl of water. They will need a water dish that is deeper than the water you have in the bath. They need to be able to put their faces in it to clear out their nostrils. Just something as deep as the length of their head and bill combined. Doesn't need to be wide, just something they can't tip over.

As far as age goes, I'd say maybe 4 weeks??

What colour are they? Not sure if you have a Fawn and White runner there or just a face covered in food! LOL.

 

[LongDuckDong]

They both appear to be fawn/white, one is a bit darker than the other.

4 weeks is older than I first estimated (using the unscientific method of searching for duckling vids on youtube), so that's good.

I was erring on the side of caution with the water level; I read where if you make it too deep at that age, they can't repel it from their feathers, and get cold/sick.

I'd like to keep them at my parents' place (fenced backyard); is 4 weeks old enough for them to be on their own during the day? They would have minimal supervision, so I want to be sure before I go that route.

Thanks for the feed recommendation, I'll pick some up ASAP.

 

[70%cocoa]

Perhaps just put a dish of water in with them, and a poultry drinker (for drinking). They will make a mess of both, but that's ducks for ya! Take the bath plug out and let the slush drain away (partially, anyhow). Definitely good to err on the cautious side with water though and to only let them actually bathe their bodies when you are there to dry them off, otherwise they can get chilled (until they have their adult feathers).

They can definitely be left on their own during the day provided they are in a predator proof run/coop that has no older birds in it. I wouldn't leave them out in the backyard though as they will be very vulnerable to predators (cats, crows, hawks, raccoons, opossums). Do your parents have a coop/aviary of some kind that they could go in?

 

[LongDuckDong]

They do not have any sort of containment facility, and I don't really think they'd be interested in putting that much effort into keeping them.

Plan B is to take them to a farm animal rescue; that route is sounding more feasible at this point. Thanks for the input.

 

[70%cocoa]

No worries

Some people do just have their ducks in their backyard with no purpose-built shelter but in my view that's a predator attack waiting to happen. If you or your parents don't have the facilities then it sounds like Plan B might be the go. But you have still done a wonderful job of rescuing them and making sure they stand a chance rather than being left to die at the pond.

 

[cskotek]

Mine are currently 4 monthss old a full feathered. So when they become fully featherd you can say they are 3 1/2 months -4 months old