Is there an FAQ?

[Redbirdacres]

I tried looking at the sticky notes etc but I'm wondering if there's a "what is this" "why is my duck doing" "is this normal" kind of thread for raising ducklings. I see a few things on my ducklings that and I'm an over-protective mama lol

 

[Shabby Chic-Hens]

I tried looking at the sticky notes etc but I'm wondering if there's a "what is this" "why is my duck doing" "is this normal" kind of thread for raising ducklings. I see a few things on my ducklings that and I'm an over-protective mama lol

No. There isn’t.

 

[Miss Lydia]

List them here and we'll try to help.

 

[Dinoroar]

I’m not sure about an faq thread but that’s a good idea. I found this article https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/duckling-care-brooder-ideas.64854/.

But it’s more about basic care. I’d say hop on one of the active duck threads and ask there

 

[Redbirdacres]

List them here and we'll try to help.

Do they get bald spots as they grow? Couple of mine look like they have bald spots. Maybe just losing their down to get their feathers? Or are they picking on each other?

Are all duckling so clumsy and fumbly? They just fall into the water bowl and then get up and go "look, I'm in a pool!" Hahaha

Are they less sensitive with heat? I have a brooder plate and the two tallest ones have bald spots and what looks like wounds on the top of their heads. Could they really have held the top of their heads to the heat plate for sooooooo long for it to get too hot? The little one is too little to have caused it. They've been together since they were born.

 

[Miss Lydia]

The heat plate I use I think could make a burn mark raise the plate up. I had to adjust the one I have quite often they grow so fast.

They do have bald spots as they begin to lose down and feathers begin to start.

They can be stumbly but they could also be needing some Niacin are you giving any niacin supplementation? Ducklings need niacin to have good strong legs even when fed a feed specific for ducklings they can still come down with a niacin deficiency. So it's very important they get niacin everyday especially while growing.
Here is some info
https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/niacin-deficiency-in-waterfowl.1367557/

now that is funny[ Are all duckling so clumsy and fumbly? They just fall into the water bowl and then get up and go "look, I'm in a pool!" Hahaha]
They do love to climb in any water container they can find.

 

[Redbirdacres]

The heat plate I use I think could make a burn mark raise the plate up. I had to adjust the one I have quite often they grow so fast.

They do have bald spots as they begin to lose down and feathers begin to start.

They can be stumbly but they could also be needing some Niacin are you giving any niacin supplementation? Ducklings need niacin to have good strong legs even when fed a feed specific for ducklings they can still come down with a niacin deficiency. So it's very important they get niacin everyday especially while growing.
Here is some info
https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/niacin-deficiency-in-waterfowl.1367557/

now that is funny[ Are all duckling so clumsy and fumbly? They just fall into the water bowl and then get up and go "look, I'm in a pool!" Hahaha]
They do love to climb in any water container they can find.

Yes, I'm the one you helped out the last couple days because at least 2 if not 3 of my original 3 all have what I believe is a deficiency (the one has a backwards foot). So those three especially I've been hitting hard with supplements every morning over some egg.

I tried giving them a large bowl tonight because they were splashing and wasting and going through SO much water and all that happened was it became a mini pool for the little ones. They were so excited It's going to be 60° and partially sunny out tomorrow with a LOT less wind so swim lessons tomorrow!

 

[Redbirdacres]

The heat plate I use I think could make a burn mark raise the plate up. I had to adjust the one I have quite often they grow so fast.

They do have bald spots as they begin to lose down and feathers begin to start.

They can be stumbly but they could also be needing some Niacin are you giving any niacin supplementation? Ducklings need niacin to have good strong legs even when fed a feed specific for ducklings they can still come down with a niacin deficiency. So it's very important they get niacin everyday especially while growing.
Here is some info
https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/niacin-deficiency-in-waterfowl.1367557/

now that is funny[ Are all duckling so clumsy and fumbly? They just fall into the water bowl and then get up and go "look, I'm in a pool!" Hahaha]
They do love to climb in any water container they can find.

Oh and yes, I've adjusted the heat plate a few times. One of the original three is much smaller so I was worried about her getting cold. I had it at an angle but one of the bigger ones looks to have reinjured his head again so I raised it again. It doesn't seem to bother them much and I spray them with some vetrimycin (however it's spelled).