My first ducklings!

[duck_shepherdess]

gofasterstripe, I put them in some water they could wade in while I cleaned the brooder. (I wimped out on water deep enough to swim in, but next time...) They were very pleased; they all waded in and then pooped for joy. Then they noticed some food-colored stuff in the water had appeared behind them. Surely it must be food.

How is it they can still look cute while eating their poop? Dogs have yet to master this, I happen to know.

I also realized that the proper order of things is to first clean the brooder, then take pictures. That way you wind up with this:

rather than this:

of course, that leaves you about a two minute window where you can take pictures. It would be way worse without all of you posting your mess prevention tips.

You guys are awesome.

 

[Luvducks]

ANY duck pictures are CUTE. With or without poop! We understand. Ha Ha

 

[gofasterstripe]

Quote:
That was like the 1st time I put up photos of my ducks swimming everyone was like, OMG you have clean water....yep thats coz I had just cleaned it for the photo session...now Im like oh well....poop dirty muddy water..everyone understands

 

[desertdarlene]

LOL, both those photos are cute! Yep, I've seen ducks eat their own poop and was grossed out. But, I did some research and found out that it's not that uncommon.

 

[NajmoNests]

Aw! Arent lil duckies so fuzzy 'n soft? Hard to resist hugging. Enjoy them today ~ tomorrow they will be big crappers, er, quackers.

 

[TLWR]

Ok, I think they appreciate the fresh water you just put in there LOL
I just opened the feed and saw an arm with a fresh dish of water

 

[duck_shepherdess]

Well, I have bad news. All my ducklings have been eaten by larger, but otherwise identical ducklings. My poor little guys never had a chance against these behemoths who have been growing for months.

but these ones are so cute I think I'll keep them.

 

[Miss Lydia]

 

[klinekoop4]

I just got two gorgeous babies on Thursday. Had put them together with my 10 pullets only to find out after the first morning that the chicks had been picking on one of the ducklings. I found it on it's back looking half dead. I immediately sprung into action and separated the two into their comfy new abode. Both are doing very well. I do have a question though, never having raised ducklings before....................at what age should I put them outside? They are just over a week old now. I have them under a 100watt heat lamp right now.........do I decrease the heat the same way you do for the chicks? I've also been giving them some chopped mixed field greens, which they love, love, love. Any suggestions, I'm all ears!

 

[desertdarlene]

I noticed that you put them in a bigger "pen". I wanted to show them to some people, but when I turned on the Ustream channel, they were out of camera view.

I have been noticing how big they've grown!