I just got ducklings, what do I do next

[ChickensAreFantastic]

Hi there, I just got myself 6 ducklings and 2 goslings. Here are my questions.

• When can I let them swim in our pond?
• Will a mother duck adopt them?
• Can I raise them just like chickens?
• What is an appropriate age for them to be outside?

Any response would be really helpful

 

[Magnolia Ducks]

At least 4weeks, preferably 6. Depends on where you are and how warm it is. If you add location to your profile it would be helpful for us. I would not put them on the pond till at least 6 weeks because they would get chilled and I'm afraid you couldn't get them quick enough to warm them up. A luke warm bath in the tub for a few minutes and then pop them back under the heat lamp would be ok.

 

[ChickensAreFantastic]

At least 4weeks, preferably 6. Depends on where you are and how warm it is. If you add location to your profile it would be helpful for us. I would not put them on the pond till at least 6 weeks because they would get chilled and I'm afraid you couldn't get them quick enough to warm them up. A luke warm bath in the tub for a few minutes and then pop them back under the heat lamp would be ok.

Okay thank you for the information.

 

[Magnolia Ducks]

And a mother duck is probably more likely to kill them than adopt them. This more often works with geese but you still need to be careful. Most domestic mallard type ducks are not good mothers. I have heard differently about Muscovys but I have no experience with them.

 

[Magnolia Ducks]

And sorry, I don't know anything about chickens.

 

[ChickensAreFantastic]

And sorry, I don't know anything about chickens.
[/QUOTE

And a mother duck is probably more likely to kill them than adopt them. This more often works with geese but you still need to be careful. Most domestic mallard type ducks are not good mothers. I have heard differently about Muscovys but I have no experience with them.

Wow really! That is a shock Thank you for telling me before i ricked my whole flock.

 

[chickens really]

Ducks are way more messy than chickens. They require water to dunk heads and drill in the wet ground to look for bugs. They stink like pig poo when pens are wet. They love to swim. Totally depends on your weather if they are old enough to go outside.

 

[Isaac 0]

Hi there, I just got myself 6 ducklings and 2 goslings. Here are my questions.

• When can I let them swim in our pond?
• Will a mother duck adopt them?
• Can I raise them just like chickens?
• What is an appropriate age for them to be outside?

Any response would be really helpful

What are your temps currently, I'll let mine swim when it's around 60-70 degrees outside, just for a little bit, If you notice them huddling together or looking cold bring them in immediately, I wouldn't put them in a pond that has snappers either. If a duck isn't broody they will most likely not accept any of the babies. Depends on the weather, They can usually be put out around 6-8 weeks or once there adult feathers come in.

 

[Miss Lydia]

If the OP just got them most likely they are still tiny?

 

[ChickensAreFantastic]

If the OP just got them most likely they are still tiny?

Yeah they aren't even a week old yet