How to raise ducklings!

[ChickyMama229]

Hello everybody. I am going to get some ducklings from the feed store. I was thinking of keeping them in the garage in a kiddie pool lined with newspaper and wood shavings, and a little fence around it, to keep them in and the cats out. The cats hardly ever come in the garage so I think they'll be safe. I was wondering if they needed a headlamp. I live in Texas, and they are going to be in the garage, so I was thinking no heat lamp. But I would like to hear everyone's suggestions and comments before I make a decision. Also, can I raise chicks and ducks together? Thanks!

 

[Miss Lydia]

You can raise chicks and ducklings in the same brooder but the ducklings will make a big mess with their water which to keep chicks wet or damp and cause them to chill. Ducklings need temps first week of their lives at around 85 drop 5* each week there after Chicks need to start out around 90-95 and drop 5* each week there after. If me I'd brood separately. Be sure if you set up a heat lamp it is at one end of brooder so babies can move away if they get too warm. And buy a thermometer so you can keep an eye on the temp in your garage. You don't want them to chill or to over heat.

More good info https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/raising-and-caring-for-ducklings.750869/

 

[ChickyMama229]

You can raise chicks and ducklings in the same brooder but the ducklings will make a big mess with their water which to keep chicks wet or damp and cause them to chill. Ducklings need temps first week of their lives at around 85 drop 5* each week there after Chicks need to start out around 90-95 and drop 5* each week there after. If me I'd brood separately. Be sure if you set up a heat lamp it is at one end of brooder so babies can move away if they get too warm. And buy a thermometer so you can keep an eye on the temp in your garage. You don't want them to chill or to over heat.

More good info https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/raising-and-caring-for-ducklings.750869/

Ok thanks! I was thinking to get a heat lamp just in case it gets a little chilly in there.