Last Minute Duckling Prep

[the_kitchen__drawer]

I have learned I trust this site *much* more than the others, so I would like your advice, since all of my research has been incredibly conflicting.

1)
How much do I feed ducklings? should feed be measured out? simply filled up and left out?

2)
How much heat should they start at, and is dropping a degree a day actually okay? I’m using a red light heat lamp. If it is, should you wait two weeks or not?

3)
Grit is placed in a separate bowl, correct?

4)
If given grit, can ducklings eat non crumble Foods?

5)
ducklings without a mom to oil them aren’t water proof. Is giving them shallow, short supervised swims (more like splash sessions!) alright? And if so, at what age? of course, drying them Well off afterwards,

and.. I think that’s all of my concerns at the moment?i have all of their supplies gathered but these gery specific things just cannot be agreed on thank you all so much for your continued patience.

 

[DukesDucks]

I'll comment on the ones I can.
Food can be filled and they free feed as needed. Water must be available with food. Keeping water container away from food container helps reduce the mess. No food or water in the coop at night. I feed duck pellets
Grit in separate container
There seems to be various opinions about swim sessions and at what age.
My ducks do not have access to swimming from about October to end of April because of the climate. As long as their water dish is deep enough for them to submerge their heads they are fine.

 

[BelovedBirds]

I have learned I trust this site *much* more than the others, so I would like your advice, since all of my research has been incredibly conflicting.

1)
How much do I feed ducklings? should feed be measured out? simply filled up and left out?

2)
How much heat should they start at, and is dropping a degree a day actually okay? I’m using a red light heat lamp. If it is, should you wait two weeks or not?

3)
Grit is placed in a separate bowl, correct?

4)
If given grit, can ducklings eat non crumble Foods?

5)
ducklings without a mom to oil them aren’t water proof. Is giving them shallow, short supervised swims (more like splash sessions!) alright? And if so, at what age? of course, drying them Well off afterwards,

and.. I think that’s all of my concerns at the moment?i have all of their supplies gathered but these gery specific things just cannot be agreed on thank you all so much for your continued patience.

Hello!!
I'll do my best to answer some of your questions!

1. feed and water should be available 24/7 for the ducklings. If a wet mash etc the food can sour, so it's best to change it out for fresh a couple times a day and fill back up as needed! It's also worth mentioning that they need water deep enough to dunk their heads, so that they can wash their nares out in the water. If you're in need of some ideas, I can post picture ideas on how to adapt a food container into a safe water bowl for them which will prevent them climbing in and getting cold!

2. I can't really help here as I used a heating plate with mine instead of a heat lamp! But hopefully someone else can let you know!

3. Yes grit should be small, chick grit, and offered in a separate bowl. They only need this once having treats or any food aside from their regular food.

4. They can, but most people prefer to wait until they're 2-3 weeks old to ensure that treats don't take away from the all important nutrients of their food. If you want to try occassional treats before then, there are a couple things they can have safely, here is a feeding guide which will help with this. I started giving mine treats at around 3 weeks, starting off with mashed banana and finely chopped grapes, *very* occassionally as these are high in natural sugars and you dont want them filling up on it!

5. yes they can have a shallow splash time which they will absolutely love! Just for a few minutes at first, you dont want the water to get cold. Mine were really good at telling me when they were done in the water, and I would get them dried off. Always supervised! Never leave them unattended. The water should be warm, but NOT hot. I always tested the water temp on the inside of my wrist/elbow to make sure it wasnt too warm. After this they will be wet and can chill, so need drying off gently with a paper towel/hand towel. They can finish drying up under the warmth in the brooder. Personally I wait until they're a good few days old before introducing shallow baths.

I hope this helps!

 

[Albert the Saxony]

I have learned I trust this site *much* more than the others, so I would like your advice, since all of my research has been incredibly conflicting.

1)
How much do I feed ducklings? should feed be measured out? simply filled up and left out?

2)
How much heat should they start at, and is dropping a degree a day actually okay? I’m using a red light heat lamp. If it is, should you wait two weeks or not?

3)
Grit is placed in a separate bowl, correct?

4)
If given grit, can ducklings eat non crumble Foods?

5)
ducklings without a mom to oil them aren’t water proof. Is giving them shallow, short supervised swims (more like splash sessions!) alright? And if so, at what age? of course, drying them Well off afterwards,

and.. I think that’s all of my concerns at the moment?i have all of their supplies gathered but these gery specific things just cannot be agreed on thank you all so much for your continued patience.

I’m glad you care so much for your future ducklings!

1. I’ve had no problems with giving mine free choice 20% crumble. (It’s a good idea to include bits of green grass into their water if possible).

2. Start at 95 degrees then drop 5 degrees every week. ( typically a red heat lamp two-three feet above)

3. Yes

4. I would not recommend till they are a couple of weeks old.

5. I typically give mine a bath at around two weeks old, but I blow dry till they are completely dry.

 

[the_kitchen__drawer]

I have a coupel water bowls for them! Milk Juhe and Tupper wares set so they can get their bills all the way in! never fret.

 

[the_kitchen__drawer]

Hello!!
I'll do my best to answer some of your questions!

1. feed and water should be available 24/7 for the ducklings. If a wet mash etc the food can sour, so it's best to change it out for fresh a couple times a day and fill back up as needed! It's also worth mentioning that they need water deep enough to dunk their heads, so that they can wash their nares out in the water. If you're in need of some ideas, I can post picture ideas on how to adapt a food container into a safe water bowl for them which will prevent them climbing in and getting cold!

2. I can't really help here as I used a heating plate with mine instead of a heat lamp! But hopefully someone else can let you know!

3. Yes grit should be small, chick grit, and offered in a separate bowl. They only need this once having treats or any food aside from their regular food.

4. They can, but most people prefer to wait until they're 2-3 weeks old to ensure that treats don't take away from the all important nutrients of their food. If you want to try occassional treats before then, there are a couple things they can have safely, here is a feeding guide which will help with this. I started giving mine treats at around 3 weeks, starting off with mashed banana and finely chopped grapes, *very* occassionally as these are high in natural sugars and you dont want them filling up on it!

5. yes they can have a shallow splash time which they will absolutely love! Always supervised! Never leave them unattended. The water should be warm, but NOT hot. I always tested the water temp on the inside of my wrist/elbow to make sure it wasnt too warm. After this they will be wet and can chill, so need drying off gently with a paper towel/hand towel. They can finish drying up under the warmth in the brooder. Personally I wait until they're a good few days old before introducing shallow baths.

I hope this helps!

Incredibly helpful, I thank you so much!

 

[the_kitchen__drawer]

I’m glad you care so much for your future ducklings!

1. I’ve had no problems with giving mine free choice 20% crumble. (It’s a good idea to include bits of green grass into their water if possible).

2. Start at 95 degrees then drop 5 degrees every week. ( typically a red heat lamp two-three feet above)

3. Yes

4. I would not recommend till they are a couple of weeks old.

5. I typically give mine a bath at around two weeks old, but I blow dry till they are completely dry.

Thank you!! I’ll use the blow dryer as a last resort. When you do, what settings do you apply

 

[Albert the Saxony]

Thank you!! I’ll use the blow dryer as a last resort. When you do, what settings do you apply

Your welcome! Mine has three settings and a mixer to cool the air coming out, I just halfway use the mixer on the lowest setting. I feel that if I go to a higher setting it’s too much air at once. If you want keep us posted on the Duck Addicts Anonymous (DAA) thread.

 

[CoriM]

I don't think you need to use a blow dryer for ducklings - that's loud and scary and might burn them. Just gently blot them with a towel and return them to their warm brooder, or hold them in a towel until they're completely dry and warm again - it doesn't take long. I always just put mine back in their brooder as they like to preen and I keep it warm for them.

 

[CoriM]

Once mine are a couple weeks old I give them frozen peas - I usually drop them in the tub when they're swimming as they like to reach down for them. I also have given finely chopped herbs like parsley or cilantro in a water dish.