My ducks are just Starting to Hatch. Food and Water Question!!

[rhino533]

My ducks are just starting to pip in my incubator. This is my frist time hatching ducklings. My question is: Are ducks like chicks where they can go without food or water fr 72 hours or do they need food and water right away? Thanks for any replies!

 

[CelticOaksFarm]

Just like once hatched that they are absorbing the yolk. However they take longer to get through the hatch process than chicks who seem to pip zip out quickly.

 

[70%cocoa]

I leave the first ones to hatch in the incubator for 24 hours, then later ones for about 12 hours or until fluffy (I leave them in less time so the original ones don't have to go without buddies in the brooder for too long). Once in the brooder I offer them water but they are usually not that interested in drinking initially - maybe not for about 12-24 hours after going into the brooder. They are usually not interested in food till about 24-48 hours after going into the brooder.

I hope your hatch is going well