New Ducklings Arriving tomorrow 5/25

[cajun41887]

Our first ever ducklings are arriving tomorrow! Eek! 3 Pekin females since Pekins are all we can have without a crazy permitting process in Florida. (We’re not eating these guys. They will be for eggs and pets). We’ve raised several batches of chicks which were hatched here by our hens. This is our first experience with ducklings and mail order poultry. I have the brooder all set up and have read everything I can get my hands on about brooding ducklings, but wanted any advice from the pros who have been there done that. I know to dunk their bills in water and not give food initially, limit water to 15 minutes each time for the first hour and have brooder warm before I pick up at post office. We live in Florida so definitely warm even without the heat lamp! (They will still have heat lamp) built a wire platform to put water on so they don’t make a mess, but beyond that, suggestions? Things you’ve learned that this newbie can benefit from? I’m a vet tech, but feel like a novice with ducks. We have Muscovies already, but they are 5 months old and we’ve had for 3 weeks. Should I wet their food for the first week, I’ve read mixed things? Homemade feeders and waterers that work well? To start we just have the usual chick feeders and waterers.

Thanks in advance

 

[SMorrison7k]

I never wet their food...just put the food and water close together so they keep plenty of fluids. I found they outgrew my chick feeders quickly as the holes were too small for them to scoop food.
Biggest thing to remember is ducklings are MESSY! and their food stinks when they get it so wet! I had to change bedding twice daily! Hopefully your brooder setup allows less.
I don't have a ton of advice, but good luck and have fun!

 

[cajun41887]

I never wet their food...just put the food and water close together so they keep plenty of fluids. I found they outgrew my chick feeders quickly as the holes were too small for them to scoop food.
Biggest thing to remember is ducklings are MESSY! and their food stinks when they get it so wet! I had to change bedding twice daily! Hopefully your brooder setup allows less.
I don't have a ton of advice, but good luck and have fun!

What did you use for feeders? I figured they would outgrow it very soon. The holes are so tiny. An open dish seems like a disaster waiting to happen though. My Muscovies have a self filling dog dish and do well with that, but ducklings would be too little to use something like that.

 

[peachyduckies]

Congratulations! I received my first ever ducklings today via mail, so this post is quite a coincidence! My ducklings are Indian Runners, they are so sweet!

Be sure to interact with the ducklings often. At least 3 hours a day, IMO. Mine have already imprinted on me and are not afraid to be hand fed, but we are still working on petting. This process is only necessary if you want friendlier ducks, but I thought I’d share anyway!

 

[SMorrison7k]

What did you use for feeders? I figured they would outgrow it very soon. The holes are so tiny. An open dish seems like a disaster waiting to happen though. My Muscovies have a self filling dog dish and do well with that, but ducklings would be too little to use something like that.

I did quickly switch to an open dish, and yes, it was a messy disaster! The best I have found are similar to a trough for the ducklings. Still open, but narrow so they are less likely to hang out in it. I have also seen what are essentially buckets with holes cut in the side so they can poke their head in to eat...I think that would work well!

 

[cajun41887]

I did quickly switch to an open dish, and yes, it was a messy disaster! The best I have found are similar to a trough for the ducklings. Still open, but narrow so they are less likely to hang out in it. I have also seen what are essentially buckets with holes cut in the side so they can poke their head in to eat...I think that would work well!

That’s how I feed our chickens. Also how we’ve brooded most of our chicks once they started making a mess of their feed.

 

[cajun41887]

Congratulations! I received my first ever ducklings today via mail, so this post is quite a coincidence! My ducklings are Indian Runners, they are so sweet!

Be sure to interact with the ducklings often. At least 3 hours a day, IMO. Mine have already imprinted on me and are not afraid to be hand fed, but we are still working on petting. This process is only necessary if you want friendlier ducks, but I thought I’d share anyway!

Definitely want friendly ducks. Will be hard to spend that much time with them daily, but I’m on the final stretch of my vacation the next 4 days so I’ll definitely be spending time with them and I’m sure my boys (11 and 6) will want in on the action.

 

[cajun41887]

Just got the post office alert that they have left Tampa! Tampa is an hours drive from us so I’m sure I’ll be getting a call from the post office first thing in the morning. Too excited to sleep and my oldest is graduating 5th grade tomorrow so I was up doing stuff for that and getting ready for babies! So much to be excited for! I may be in my 30’s but it feels like Christmas morning is coming!

 

[Miss Lydia]

Look forward to seeing the littles

 

[Soon2BChixMom]

When I first got my ducklings, I wet their feed for a few days. I used an open container for the feed. It was one I already had on hand. I am still using it actually as a dish for grit (which they might not need since they are outside). Then I upgraded to a bigger container. Just upgraded again - hopefully to keep the feed from being spilled on the ground.
I think you just go with the flow. Eventually you won't worry as much.
Can't wait to see them!