New duck owner. Need advice.

[MeganKelcy]

Hi, my name is Megan and I am a new duck owner. I recently purchased two baby Cayuga ducklings. They were roughly two weeks when I bought them from the mill and I have had them for about a week and a half. I need some advice on raising them. First, I need to know that what I am feeding them is okay. I am currently feeding them a handful of chick feed (non-medicated), meat producer, and chicken scratch. Also, I am supplementing them with brewers yeast. The lady at the mill provided me with all of the food. I have done my research, but I am not familiar with all of the terms. Is this okay? Furthermore, the ducklings started to sneeze as well as a ticking sound when they breath. I believe that it is due to them being in the bathroom. The bathroom seems to have too much moisture which leads to my question of when can I put them outside? Oh and to deal with the sneezing I bought a three pack of electrolytes and probiotics. I plan on putting them in their water once a week or the next three weeks. Should I be concerned about the ticking? We are in the process of finishing their 16ft by 9ft enclosure with a duck house. I just want my ducks to live a healthy and safe life. Any suggestions are helpful.

 

[Amiga]

The ticking may or may not be of concern.

What is their bedding? I used old towels, and changed them out at least three times a day. Part of that is because I did not have the water management perfected. I know more now.

I would give them the chick feed free choice - as much as they want, 24/7, along with the brewer's yeast (about a tablespoon or two a day in their food).

What is the temperature in the brooder? (Even if it's the tub, it's still the brooder if there are ducklings in it). They need to be around 70F. There needs to be good ventilation in their area, as well as safety (you know that, I am sure). No drafts. Water 24/7 also, with the food.

They can be messy, but if you get the water right, it really makes a huge difference.

https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/641902/created-a-water-saver-for-my-duck-brooder

https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/679433/water-water-everywhere/10

https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/858161/feed-water-solution-for-brooder#post_12901321

http://frankiemakes.blogspot.ca/2012/06/watering-solution-for-ducks.html

https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/259876/do-your-ducks-have-water-at-night/10#post_13568197

post number 8 from this
https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/959603/ducklings-getting-stuck-on-their-backs#post_14939819

https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/969751/help-baby-ducklings#post_15125952

 

[MeganKelcy]

I started them out in a plastic tub with wood shavings but as I read more and more. I found that towels would be more appropriate. I have been changing them at least once a day. I have three towels. One across the bottom of the tub, one in the middle, and one curled up at the end. I did this in hopes of keeping them dry. I haven't used a heat lamp but a little heater to heat the room. I haven't used it bc the temp has been 60-80 outside depending on the day. They have plenty of food and water. I make sure to change it several times a day. I just wasn't sure about the meat producer and scratch. I am going to try and get them outside as much as I can during the day until the are ready to go outside. Thanks so much for the advice. I need allI can get

 

[Amiga]

Please keep us updated, sounds like you are doing pretty well. Do keep an eye on them - if they show any signs of feeling off, a good duck vet is best - but in any case health matters need to be taken care of as soon as possible - ducks hide illness very well.

You may want to have some antibiotic on hand in case they get sick on a weekend or holiday.

 

[MeganKelcy]

 

[Amiga]