Intro to swimming

[mc79]

Hello all! I'm an experienced chicken owner but new to ducks. I just got 2 Khaki Campbell ducklings (a little over a week old I think). I was just wondering how early I can introduce them to swimming (like maybe in the bathtub). I've read several articles online but many contradict each other, so I figured I'd ask here. I already have a ramp and platform to get in and out of the water, but I just didn't know if it was too early to let them try. Also, should the water be warm since they're still babies? Any help would be greatly appreciated.

 

[Miss Lydia]

Warm water and start with just up to tops of legs. they will enjoy it and you'll enjoy watching them. Just stay close by. and then place them right back under heat to dry.

 

[chickens really]

Any water is fine for swimming. Wild Ducks take babies out on totally cold ponds. Just allow them to preen under heat once done swimming...

 

[Dees ducks]

I introduced my 5 Cayuga ducklings to water on day 7 in the bathtub with warm water and a couple of bricks in the bottom to act as a platform. The first few seconds they were a bit freaked out however after that they had a great time and just came back to the brick platform when they were tired and had had enough.

 

[mc79]

Thank you all for the info! I put them in the tub the other day, and I have to say I was impressed how easily it came to them. They are already swimming and diving like pros, and they were having so much fun (As was I while watching them play). The only thing I didn't like about it was how much poop was in the tub...that was kind of gross. So I have to do some cleaning after each swim session, but it's worth it!

 

[McChics]

I've learned in the short time with ducks...A duck has NEVER seen clean water that didn't need to be turned brown/green as soon as possible!

 

[quackiemama]

The water never stays clean for long.

 

[Shadrach]

This early.
First day out with mum. Two or three days old.