How to keep my ducklings healthy

[askem]

Hello everyone!

I've been wondering what type of preventative medications I need to get for my ducklings, such as wormer, flea prevention, etc?

My ducklings will be inside only pets, and used for emotional support for my PTSD/Anxiety Disorder, so we will be getting diapers for them as well. But I am wondering if they are like dogs/cats that need to be wormed, have rabies shots, have flea prevention, etc? They will be allowed to go outside with supervision from me. Since we are in Florida there are a lot of predators.

 

[askem]

Oh and if anyone has a link to like a care guide or something that will help me, I'd really appreciate it!

I've been reading as many threads as I can here and have worked out a first aid kit. I also have a local vet that is available 24/7 (well different vets in the same office) that specialize in farm animals and farm birds specifically. So at least I'm prepared on that front!

I'm also really hoping I end up with 2 female ducks, because reading about drakes here has me a bit scared!

 

[Blue Crow]

check here for some great articles:
https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/other-backyard-fowl-ducks-quail-turkeys-geese-etc.67519/

I also like "Storey's guide to raising ducks" which you will see people reference from time to time.

I too have PTSD and anxiety, though my ducks live outside in Helm's Peep, and I find the ducks a big help both as companion animals (its nice to have something more anxious about the world then me) and having that task I HAVE to do because ducks ain't going to feed and water themselves

I ordered from Metzer - they seem to have a good reputation and I could pick the sex of my ducks so no drakes to worry about.


no rabies shots - birds can't get rabies, I have seen anything about ducks getting fleas. worming when needed, get a first aid kit for minor scraps and bump

 

[casportpony]

May I suggest that since you have a vet to work with, get your ducklings and schedule a wellness appointment. While at the appointment, tell them about your PTSD and anxiety and ask them for recommendations on what sort of things you should keep on hand. One could go nuts trying to stock up and prepare for the things that could go wrong with poultry, and your vet should be able to put your mind at ease.

 

[casportpony]

also like "Storey's guide to raising ducks" which you will see people reference from time to time

Excellent suggestion!

 

[PirateGirl]

I also really like the Ducks' Sticky Topics which are FAQs with answers from members.
https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/ducks-sticky-topics-index.256233/

 

[PirateGirl]

And agree with the others, the articles are great as well as Storey's Guide!

 

[askem]

May I suggest that since you have a vet to work with, get your ducklings and schedule a wellness appointment. While at the appointment, tell them about your PTSD and anxiety and ask them for recommendations on what sort of things you should keep on hand. One could go nuts trying to stock up and prepare for the things that could go wrong with poultry, and your vet should be able to put your mind at ease.

Great suggestion. My anxiety makes me worry about everything!

Thanks everyone for the suggestions!

 

[askem]

Do ducklings need chick grit?

I just purchased 50 pounds of feed and they suggested I add chick grit into it

 

[thumper650]

Ducks are the best therapists ever, just my opinion.