New duck mama

[Miss Lydia]

Too cold for out of doors unless you plan on using heat. At 3 weeks they need around 75-80*

On warm day with no wind they can go out for adventures with you but I would keep an eye on them so you can bring them in if you notice them laying down acting chilled.

 

[onaharley]

Too cold for out of doors unless you plan on using heat. At 3 weeks they need around 75-80*

On warm day with no wind they can go out for adventures with you but I would keep an eye on them so you can bring them in if you notice them laying down acting chilled.

 

[Kathysue]

Hello, I am a new duck mama lol.
I have one pekin and one hybrid im not honestly sure what it is. I also dont know their ages or sexes. Which is why I am here is there any way to tell?

My husband got them a high protein food and I feel like that was not a good idea after a little reading here. especially the size of the bag... lol its is Dumor 24% protein... We dont plan to eat these ducks at all so I dont even know why there is protein that high for chicks or ducks, but I dont know much about this. I just want them to be healthy!

Right now I have them in a clear plastic Tupperware thing, with pine shavings like they had at tractor supply, with a heating pad underneath. is that adequate? what temp is best ? its no in the box its under it... they sneeze and will have water coming out of their nostrils... I worry they aren't warm enough or aren't getting good air flow? I dont want respiratory issues!

I also have their water and food in it.. and its a small space which they soak quickly lol. the water is in a chick waterer and I read thats not good enough for them either. I saw the diy one, and will look into making one. I let them play in a shallow warm bath daily.. is that ok? they seem to love it, but If I shouldn't, let me know! lol.

I plan to build them a house out side soon, I just got 6 pallets! when is it ok for them to be outside? I am in Texas, so it will be pretty warm soon. and honestly brutally hot in the summer.. is that going to be ok? sorry for so many questions!

They dont fuss often and when they do, its seemingly just being thirsty (they splashed their entire water contents into the floor), or cold lol. the Pekin is very verbal and lets me know! the other is shy and I can tell the pekin is protective of it. They are absolutely precious and I want them to have long happy lives! Any advice or where to read would be greatly appreciated!! Thank you!

Hi squidsagirl420-
I don't work with domestics but have been a wildlife rehabber specializing in migratory ducks for about two years. Yes, you do want to give the ducklings a high protein diet but you don't want to keep them on this much protein too long as they can develop something called Angel Wing. It probably is not as serious a problem for the non-flyers, so I would ask others when to switch them to maintenance. As far as water, they have to have it with their food and I know what you mean about being sloppy- they really know how to get their water dirty in a hurry. I use small bowls with a wide bottom or even pie pans- anything that they cannot tip over. They are not water-proof yet so make sure that the water in their bowl (or bath) is too deep. You did not say what part of Texas you are in, but if you are anywhere within 150 miles of Tomball, I have the name of a guy who built me a wonderful coop and run. I would be glad to send you his contact information if you would like it. I have to say, ducks are just very special creatures and you will have so much fun with them. You have young ones so they will imprint with you very quickly.

 

[Katuhns]

Hello....I’m a new mama to ducklings and one of my babies is having seizures he/she had one 2 days ago and one again tonight...what do I do? What causes this?? I need help!

 

[onaharley]

Hello....I’m a new mama to ducklings and one of my babies is having seizures he/she had one 2 days ago and one again tonight...what do I do? What causes this?? I need help!

Hi, how old are they? and what kind of duck? This could be a vitamin deficiency of some sorts, do you provide them Brewers Yeast or Nutritional Yeast in their feed? Also make sure that when you give them water that it is room temperature water and not really cold water, i have read where ducklings can have seizures if the water is really cold.

 

[squidsagirl420]

 

[squidsagirl420]

They grow so fast

 

[Soon2BChixMom]

Is she still having issues?
I love it when they flap their little wings like that!

 

[Miss Lydia]

Such a precious duo

 

[Raenh]

Hi squidsagirl420-
I don't work with domestics but have been a wildlife rehabber specializing in migratory ducks for about two years. Yes, you do want to give the ducklings a high protein diet but you don't want to keep them on this much protein too long as they can develop something called Angel Wing. It probably is not as serious a problem for the non-flyers, so I would ask others when to switch them to maintenance. As far as water, they have to have it with their food and I know what you mean about being sloppy- they really know how to get their water dirty in a hurry. I use small bowls with a wide bottom or even pie pans- anything that they cannot tip over. They are not water-proof yet so make sure that the water in their bowl (or bath) is too deep. You did not say what part of Texas you are in, but if you are anywhere within 150 miles of Tomball, I have the name of a guy who built me a wonderful coop and run. I would be glad to send you his contact information if you would like it. I have to say, ducks are just very special creatures and you will have so much fun with them. You have young ones so they will imprint with you very quickly.

You're in tomball?!?!? Where! Btw, Hi!