Just Got Ducklings

[DuckFather]

Hey, so I just got two ducklings from Tractor Supply and just have few questions as a new duck dad. This was them when we got home:

we were waiting for my Father to get back from getting their tub. First, they were on a towel and I was hand feeding them, Karma (what I named the one with the lighter bill) will always nip and steal the food I am hand feeding Ducky (name for the one with the darker bill) like Karma will run at Ducky and not let it eat it is this normal? Ducky follows Karma everywhere though so I don't think they don't like each other. For example, this is them right now:

In the beginning, I was so happy when they climbed into my lap by themselves to take a nap. Question: how long should I handle them a day for them to imprint on me? I read their not supposed to have a water bowl that deep so I'm looking for a more shallow one. Mostly because they keep jumping or falling in and it looks like they struggle. Also last thing Karma often spits up water I hope it's okay. Any tips or answering these questions would be very helpful thank you!

 

[Callender Girl]

Your babies are adorable! I'm sure they do like each other, ducks are pretty social creatures, in my experience. Some babies are just more dominant and want to be the boss.

When I brood ducklings, I sometimes use a shallow butter tub and I put glass marbles in the bottom. The marbles are too large for the ducklings to swallow, prevent the tub from tipping over and keep the babies from drowning. You can use the container you've already got and put marbles in it, and I think it would work. I use the kind hobby stores sell to put in flower vases.

Handle the babies as much as you and they are willing to cuddle. Some breeds will continue to love you as they grow up, some will -- at best -- tolerate you as they become grown-ups. Don't be offended if that happens.

I don't know what your long-term plan is for lining the bottom of their brooder, but ducks are really messy and the fabric you have right now will need to be laundered a lot. I use medium wood shavings for my littles. Once in a while, they will nibble at some of the shavings but none of mine have ever eaten too many of the shavings. Plus, it's easy to scoop out the shavings with a kitty litter scoop and replace the wet and messy ones.

If you can get duckling feed, that's great. I live in an area where my best option is to buy non-medicated chick starter/grower. But ducklings need more niacin than chicks, so when I can't get niacin supplements, I feed them lots of frozen peas, which are high in niacin.

Welcome to BYC! You're going to meet a lot of people who are willing to share what they know and help you raise wonderful ducks!