NEW DUCK OWNER

[Hannahbell1129]

Hey guys, I'm pretty young and don't know much, but I just bought two white ducklings yesterday , cause they were just so cute, I've done tons of research and everything says different things, i have a couple questions, how close does their heat lamp need to be, how often does it need to be turned on, for how long, and how do you get rid of a chill? Thank you all so much!

 

[happy duck]

Hi and welcome! So happy you got ducklings and that you joined BYC.
Here are your answers:
1: There heat light does not have a certain closeness, but if your ducks are huddled under the light they are cold. If they are far away from the light than they are hot. So whenever I am doing my heat light I read there signals.
2: There heat light needs to be on all the time until they are fully feathered. Than they need to moved to there hutch/run unless they are staying inside.
3: To get rid of a chill I will make a little wall out of cardboard. I will just tape it and then line it around the brooder.
Hope every thing goes well!!!!

 

[Hannahbell1129]

Thank you so much! Is it okay for them to be away from the lamp while playing with them? And how often should I let them experiments with water and the outdoors? Or do I just keep them in till their feathers come in? And one last thing, how long and how often do I let them feed? And is it okay to give them things like corn and peas and lettuce?

 

[hereorthere]

Lots of info:
https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/ducks-sticky-topics-index.256233/

 

[happy duck]

1: When they are 3 weeks is the best time for them to be outside and in water, but you are playing with them by there brooder it should be fine.
2: Food and water must be given 24/7. When mine our older they will get a breakfast and a dinner, but until then they need it all the time.
3: Treats are good just make sure they are small and that you are giving the ducks chick grit free choice if you decide to give them treats.

 

[Soon2BChixMom]

Actually, they don't need a heat lamp until they are fully feathered. The heat lamp should be reduced 5 degrees each week. You can achieve this by moving the lamp further or closer depending on how warm you need it. If they are panting, too warm. However, ducklings don't need as much heat as chicks.
Mine are off the lamp and have been totally off for a week now. They are 5 weeks so not fully feathered, but are in a heated building which stays a constant 60 degrees. In fact, moving them away from a heat source will help their feathers to come in sooner. Just observe your ducks, they will let you know if it is too hot or too cold. They can be moved outdoors once it is 40 degrees at night fully feathered. If, they are fully feathered, they can go out sooner too depending on how you are acclimating them.
Where are you located? Most areas should be warming up enough for ducklings to go out sooner rather than later.
As well, food and water 24/7 with water deep enough for their nares to be dipped in.
Here is a good guide on byc: https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/raising-and-caring-for-ducklings.750869/
Also, I like Storey's guide for raising ducks as a resource.
Good luck!

 

[Soon2BChixMom]

It is ok to give treats, but if you give anything other than feed, they need chick sized grit to go along with it. Just don't overdo the treats.