I just bought 2 peking ducks and 8 chicks last week!
This is my first experience ever with either, and Ive pretty much got the chicks down pat. Seems there is alot of help in that area.
However, I couldnt find a thread on how to start out with the ducklings, but just have a few basic questions. Right now I have them in a rubber 40gal tub. They are on pine shavings, just like the chicks. I have a 100 watt bulb on them, and they seem warm enough.
1. Should I put them on straw instead? Read somewhere that pine shavings were not a good idea for ducklings
2. SHould I have them in a bigger environment yet? As of now, I am cleaning out the tub every morning, because it is unbelievably filthy! WHile I am changing it out, I use another tub to put them in, with a pie plate full of water to let them sit and splash. Then when done cleaning their home, I put them back in with their waterer and feeder.
3. Is there a better plan? Im not sure what to put them in next. A cardboard box with a tarp on the bottom? Ideas please!
4. SHould I take them out and let them really swim yet? Maybe try the bathtub? Im thinking they are about 3 weeks old now.
5. Also, how often are you supposed to change their bedding? Each day?
6. Do I do the heat lamp the same way I do with the chicks, decrease it 5 degrees per week?
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However, I couldnt find a thread on how to start out with the ducklings, but just have a few basic questions. Right now I have them in a rubber 40gal tub. They are on pine shavings, just like the chicks. I have a 100 watt bulb on them, and they seem warm enough.
1. Should I put them on straw instead? Read somewhere that pine shavings were not a good idea for ducklings
2. SHould I have them in a bigger environment yet? As of now, I am cleaning out the tub every morning, because it is unbelievably filthy! WHile I am changing it out, I use another tub to put them in, with a pie plate full of water to let them sit and splash. Then when done cleaning their home, I put them back in with their waterer and feeder.
3. Is there a better plan? Im not sure what to put them in next. A cardboard box with a tarp on the bottom? Ideas please!
4. SHould I take them out and let them really swim yet? Maybe try the bathtub? Im thinking they are about 3 weeks old now.
5. Also, how often are you supposed to change their bedding? Each day?
6. Do I do the heat lamp the same way I do with the chicks, decrease it 5 degrees per week?
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