Need help with ducklings

[Ashleymiller]

my ducklings are 7 days old. They are eating there bedding so I changed it to a mat with a shirt as a bed. I have had to limit there water that I leave in there because they get it everywhere. I've also taken times through out the day to give them food instead of leaving it all the time. They always have some water but they just play in it and don't drink most of it is that ok?

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

@chickens really

 

[chickens really]

Hmm...Totally change your Duckling care ASAP..
They require water and feed 24 hours a day till 6 weeks old..
That's sad because they will gourge themselves on feed once fed but not get enough water to process the feed..

They need water containers they can stick heads into and clean their nares and eyes or infection sets in..
Hmm?...Sad your not prepared for Ducks...

 

[Ashleymiller]

Hmm...Totally change your Duckling care ASAP..
They require water and feed 24 hours a day till 6 weeks old..
That's sad because they will gourge themselves on feed once fed but not get enough water to process the feed..

They need water containers they can stick heads into and clean their nares and eyes or infection sets in..
Hmm?...Sad your not prepared for Ducks...

I was only doing as I was told by the people at the store I got them from but I wasn't sure that's why I posted the ?. From all research it says they should always have it but when the guy told me today after I went back from getting them yesterday it wasn't good and that they will over eat and could get sick from too much water because they play in it and it could get stuck in their noses and if they get wet and stay wet they can die. I was concerned for them but about part way through tonight I reconsidered changing back. Hints why I asked and No I've never had ducks but u except the people u get them from who act like they know would know.

 

[BriiBaer]

When I had my ducklings (2), I got the small feeder and waterer from TSC. I filled these once a day and they turned out perfect!

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

my ducklings are 7 days old. They are eating there bedding so I changed it to a mat with a shirt as a bed. I have had to limit there water that I leave in there because they get it everywhere. I've also taken times through out the day to give them food instead of leaving it all the time. They always have some water but they just play in it and don't drink most of it is that ok?

It's been quite a few years since I brooded ducklings. I always used shavings for bedding, changed as often as necessary.

Both feed and water I always filled as necessary. The waterer can be kept inside a shallow dish to keep them from making a mess.

Ducks are more work to brood. I personally never had them over eat. They do eat, than drink to wash it down.

All young poultry seem to sample the shavings, some more than others, but I haven't seen any problems from it.

 

[PirateGirl]

Do an image search online for mess free duckling brooder or waterer and you will get some great ideas. I will attach an image for help. You can make new water containers from your recycling as they grow, cut a hole they can reach their head in to drink, but not climb in completely. In this picture they have the food and water in a separate area on a cookie cooling rack. There is no bedding directly where the water is and ducklings would be unable to walk through spilled water. I hope this helps you modify your setup. You should be able to make things neater without a special trip to the store. Good luck! Definitely allow them access to food and water at all times. They really need a lot of both at this time in their life.

 

[Ashleymiller]

It's been quite a few years since I brooded ducklings. I always used shavings for bedding, changed as often as necessary.

Both feed and water I always filled as necessary. The waterer can be kept inside a shallow dish to keep them from making a mess.

Ducks are more work to brood. I personally never had them over eat. They do eat, than drink to wash it down.

All young poultry seem to sample the shavings, some more than others, but I haven't seen any problems from it.

Thank u I feel much better about this. I want to do what's best for them I truly love and adore them already they stole my heart the moment I saw them! I was just trying to figure out what to do because I got the water bowl with the plastic container so it holds a lot of water and they are always getting wet and I heard they need to be dry so I wasn't sure. I'll make sure to keep their food and water in at all times. Just trying to learn and I won't be taking advice from people who haven't raised ducks themselves ever again.

 

[chickens really]

Your going to be fine and everything will be okay ...

 

[casportpony]

my ducklings are 7 days old. They are eating there bedding so I changed it to a mat with a shirt as a bed. I have had to limit there water that I leave in there because they get it everywhere. I've also taken times through out the day to give them food instead of leaving it all the time. They always have some water but they just play in it and don't drink most of it is that ok?

Welcome to BYC! I use towels in my brooders because it's easier for me to keep the brooder cleaner and drier. I also keep food and water out 24/7.