Just got ducklings and have questions

[DuckyDonna]

Nice job! Mine used to sleep on top of the water thing but they couldn't get in it!

 

[loofa]

how long were you able to keep them in that wading pool before they could escape it?

 

[LosPatos]

I don't have answers to all your questions but I have had two sets of ducklings recently. I got a few ducks from Tractor Supply at 3 days old. They were also scared of people, but with lots of effort, they are nice pets... they just aren't affectionate and don't want to be touched. They will chatter at me and love getting treats. They don't flee from me if they don't think I'm trying to pick up or pet them. Peas are the best and they crowd right up to me for them. When I feed them peas or corn by hand, 3 out of 4 of them will tolerate me petting them. Give them lots of time, hand feed them a lot, use treats, and don't scare them!

Three of those ducks turned out to be drakes, so I got 2 sexed ducklings that are most likely female. Now these ducklings clearly imprinted on people, will peep loudly after you leave the room, and if you let them, they will climb on you and cuddle once they get all their energy out and are ready to relax.

I think most ducklings that are scared of people, don't end up too affectionate, but that doesn't mean they don't make great pets. It just means they are a pet for watching, not a pet for cuddling. If you want a duck who is affectionate, I would recommend getting a pair of ducklings that have co-imprinted on people and ducklings (because getting a single duck imprinted on people would be sad for the duck).

 

[DuckyDonna]

how long were you able to keep them in that wading pool before they could escape it?

That's easy to fix! Just get some cardboard and put it up all around your pool. I just put stuff behind the cardboard so it doesn't fall down. Once they get bigger and can't fit through the holes one of those dog fences work great too.

 

[loofa]

you all are so great! thank you for all of the advice. ducklings made it through their first night and have been moved into a wading pool in my office so I can talk to them while I work. enjoying peas and chard for the first time right now. the cuteness is killing me, cannot focus on work.

 

[Miss Lydia]

@Miss Lydia do you know the answer to the coconut husk question?

Also, regarding taming - okay to pick them up even though the moment of being picked up is scary for them, and put them close to your body (like in sleeves or between shirt and sweater)? We did this and they seemingly calmed right down when cuddled up next to us, but the moment of catching them is scary for them - so wasn't sure if they are really calm or just petrified (not trembling), and if I'm doing more good with the snuggle or damage with the catching moment.

Is this bedding fine like peat?only thing I’d worry about is them eating it. Give it a try an watch closely.

 

[DuckyDonna]

since you are giving them treats other than duck food are you also providing them with chick grit? Just a little dish (I use a custard cup) on the side. Yes, they will step in it and spill it but I just don't put much in it. They need it to digest their "treats".

 

[loofa]

Hi yes, I am giving them grit. They just ate out my hand for the first time!

 

[Miss Lydia]

Just make sure they only have it in a bowl close to their feed not on it they will eat it when needed.