Just got 2 ducklings. Any advice?

[wtusa1718]

I was very worried about hawks when I started letting my ducks free range(out of there pen) but I haven't had any problems with them...not to say but they do happen...especially eagles! For the pen make sure there is poultry netting on the top so that no hawks can get in. When they free range I wouldn't worry that much because you are in the city. But if there are hawks there isn't really anything you can do. The only thing I think of is to be outside with them when they free range but if you are going to let them out of there pen all day that is prob not an option for you. I used to be outside with mine the whole time but they are really are okay and I looked out the window every once in a while to check on them. What is your ducks breed? Bigger ducks won't be much of a target. I have a pekin and 3 buffs. I have seen hawks and some have swooped down but the ducks whenever feel threatened stand really still or run in the pen where they know they have safety. I don't know if the link I sent up top worked here is a link to my article on BYC of my run so you can get some ideas of what to use for netting: https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/happy-ducks-coop-and-run.74198/

Thanks. They are Rouen ducks so if I’m not mistaken they will be one of the bigger ducks?

 

[wtusa1718]

Wow that pen is beautiful. I was thinking about making something with a roof but should I just double it at make half of it with a roof and half without so they can roam if they want when they are locked up?

 

[happy duck]

Thanks. They are Rouen ducks so if I’m not mistaken they will be one of the bigger ducks?

Yes they are bigger so you really don’t have to worry..but don’t forget that hawks can be a threat sometimes.

Wow that pen is beautiful. I was thinking about making something with a roof but should I just double it at make half of it with a roof and half without so they can roam if they want when they are locked up?

Yeah that would work!

 

[wtusa1718]

Yes they are bigger so you really don’t have to worry..but don’t forget that hawks can be a threat sometimes.

Yeah that would work!

Ok great. I think they are about a week old. How long would you say until they could be outside permanently? I want to know so I can have it built on time.

 

[happy duck]

Ok great. I think they are about a week old. How long would you say until they could be outside permanently? I want to know so I can have it built on time.

Wait until they are fully feathered. That should be around 4-6 weeks.

 

[wtusa1718]

Wait until they are fully feathered. That should be around 4-6 weeks.

Ok thanks. I am feeding dumor chick starter. Is that good?

 

[happy duck]

Ok thanks. I am feeding dumor chick starter. Is that good?

Yeah that’s what I fed. Do you already know about the kinds of food and stuff to switch to as they get older?

 

[Isaac 0]

Welcome to BYC!

Congrats on your first ducklings! Basics, For feed you'll want to provide either an All Flock/Raiser Feed or a feed specifically formulated for ducklings, you can also use a chick starter feed, but it's important to add a supplemental source of niacin to help prevent leg problems, that could be in the form of Brewer's yeast, nutritional yeast, B complex or a poultry vitamin. For water, they should have a container they can easily clean their nares out with, but avoid big containers till they are older since ducklings don't have waterproof feathers and can get chilled easily or possibly drown.

Ok thanks. I am feeding dumor chick starter. Is that good?

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[wtusa1718]

Yeah that’s what I fed. Do you already know about the kinds of food and stuff to switch to as they get older?

No, any recommendations?

 

[Isaac 0]

No, any recommendations?

Flock Raiser, All Flock, Mazuri or a Duck Feed.