How soon do newly hatched ducks start to eat and drink?

[rlhbond]

I'm sure this has been asked a million times but I wasn't able to find the answer in a search. My ducks have began hatching (day 25). I thought I'd have a couple more days to research this question.

 

[Wifezilla]

Already?

LOL

Well, mine have seemed to start on the water within 24 hours and the food 24 hours after that.

Mind you, I have only hatched out 3 ducks so far

 

[rlhbond]

Thanks Wifezilla. I used your nesting storage container idea for the brooder. As a coincidence, I bought the materials to build the brooder today, but I thought I had a couple more days to get it done.

I have one duckling in a cardboard box with a dog pad and food/water. He's under a heat lamp. I need to let the brooder off-gas for a day or two before I use it because the fumes are pretty bad right now. I have 3 other eggs pipping and about 10 more about ready to hatch (hopefully).