impulse buy = duck ownership

FriscoRaven

In the Brooder
6 Years
Mar 20, 2013
36
1
34
Went into the feed store to get some chick feed and walked out with three baby ducklings.

I have their brooder set up similar to my chicks, but was wondering if there's anything special they need. They seem to do okay, but they get water EVERYWHERE. I've read it's best to not let them get or stay too wet in case they catch a chill.

Any tips on keeping them dry? Or is just expected that they'll stay wet. Any other advice or tips on raising ducks?

 
In the past, I have used puppy pads under the waterer. Right now, I have just 2 and at a week old, they aren't really making much mess yet with the water.
It appears you have pekins, so I'd get some brewers yeast or niacin (not the flush free or time release) and add that to their water or food - yeast to food, niacin to the water at about 150mg/gallon. They grow fast and most feeds do not have enough niacin for ducklings and it will present itself as leg issues, especially in the larger breeds.

The water battle is likely going to be the biggest difference - control that and all will be good :)
 
Also, judging by that picture, any idea how old you think they are? They're just so much bigger than my chicks which are just 2 days old. I know they're totally different birds, I just don't want to make the mistake of thinking they're older than they are ..
 

New posts New threads Active threads

Back
Top Bottom