New ducklings pls help

[Rosey24]

Okay so I got two ducklings and it’s the first time I have ever done this.
I think that the ducklings are about a week old.
some concerns that I have are:
- does the humidity % matter?
- they both cuddle up against a corner a lot and idk if it’s normal?
- when I take them out of the container they are in they squeak so much until they are back together and i don’t know why
- does the heat lamp need to be on 24/7?
- when they poop it’s like white and liquidy and I don’t know why
- one of the ducklings had like a wheezing sound when breathing that made it sound squeaky and on his beak there was a clear liquid around his beak holes, now he’s not wheezing but he was for a good part of the day.
- is it okay to regularly feed them fruits?
-is romane lettuce okay for them?
- I’ve seen a lot about dry feed and wet feed, I’m currently doing dry feed but they shake their heads rapidly after eating a bite, should I be giving it to them moistened?
- they both also poke their beaks under their wings like their itching it and I just wondered if it was normal

 

[Reliablesquirrel]

The humidity isn’t important once they’re out of the incubator. Sometimes if they are huddling up it means they are cold, so check of your heat pad is low enough for them. The squeaking is ok, they just want to be back with their friends. The heat pad does need to be on 24/7 until they are older, we leave ours until at least 3/4 weeks old. I’m not sure about some of the other q’s, but the itching is ok! Good luck with your ducklings!

 

[AnamGulzar]

If they are cold you probably avoid giving them oranges or water melon or musk melon..that will cause more problems with runny nose..i would say avoid watery fruits

 

[Crazy Maizie]

I wouldn't offer any food except their normal feed until they are older. Once you start offering treats, they will need grit. Right now, you want them eating balanced nutrition. Also, I added niacin (nutritional yeast) to their feed for the first 6 months or so.
I would make sure they have fresh water available at all times (as much as possible with ducklings). I would also offer a different container of water with electrolytes/probiotics for now since you just got them.
I fed wetted crumble at first. Then offered both dry and wet until they only received dry. With wet crumble and the heat lamp you have to change out often or else you can get mold. They will dip their bill with food in the water so they don't need wet, but it worked for my ducklings. I would go through photos/threads of duck brooder set ups here on BYC for ideas. For now, offer heat 24/7, but make sure they have spaces in the brooder that is not under the heat lamp. Ducklings grow fast and in my experience do not need the heat lamp at night after a few weeks. But, you need to keep an eye on them to gauge their needs (how much are they choosing the heated area vs the cooler area in the brooder).
The other important thing is keeping the brooder as clean and dry as possible. As well, the more space they have, the easier it is to have a "clean" brooder.
The rest sounds like normal duckling behavior. Fresh water, food, warmth, and a clean brooder will make for happy ducks.
Oh and if not too cold, you can take them outside and let them run around in a safe area to explore!

 

[DukesDucks]

Is their water supply deep enough for them to put their whole beaks into so their can clear their nostrils?

 

[Skyle]

I'm not a duckling expert, I don't know some things but I hope to be helpful about the other things
1) Once hatched it shouldn't, but wait for some more sure responses
2)Do they have a place where to get away from the heat lamp? Do they seem to try escaping the heat? If yes, you should place the lamp in a way that allows them to have a warm and a cool place. If not, I'd think they are just cuddling and feel more secure
3)They're bonded together, if you separe them they are scared to remain lonely
4)If the room temperature isn't enough warm, then yes, 24/7 lamp until you begin to wean them off. Again, make sure there is a heated place and a cool one, so they can regulate their temperature
5)I think it would be better if you post a photo
6) I'm sorry, I'm not sure about this
7) I'd wait until they're older, now the starter is all what they need to grow strong and healthy. If you want to try make sure they have some grit and give to them only few little pieces
8) I think is as above (but wait for more responses, please)
9)If you give to them the dry one make sure the water is near enough for them to drink and swallow, if you want to try wet feed you should replace it every few hours or (especially in the heat of a brooder) it will ferment very easly
10) I'm sorry, I don't know about this

 

[Rosey24]

I wouldn't offer any food except their normal feed until they are older. Once you start offering treats, they will need grit. Right now, you want them eating balanced nutrition. Also, I added niacin (nutritional yeast) to their feed for the first 6 months or so.
I would make sure they have fresh water available at all times (as much as possible with ducklings). I would also offer a different container of water with electrolytes/probiotics for now since you just got them.
I fed wetted crumble at first. Then offered both dry and wet until they only received dry. With wet crumble and the heat lamp you have to change out often or else you can get mold. They will dip their bill with food in the water so they don't need wet, but it worked for my ducklings. I would go through photos/threads of duck brooder set ups here on BYC for ideas. For now, offer heat 24/7, but make sure they have spaces in the brooder that is not under the heat lamp. Ducklings grow fast and in my experience do not need the heat lamp at night after a few weeks. But, you need to keep an eye on them to gauge their needs (how much are they choosing the heated area vs the cooler area in the brooder).
The other important thing is keeping the brooder as clean and dry as possible. As well, the more space they have, the easier it is to have a "clean" brooder.
The rest sounds like normal duckling behavior. Fresh water, food, warmth, and a clean brooder will make for happy ducks.
Oh and if not too cold, you can take them outside and let them run around in a safe area to explore!

What is the best grit for them? And should I not be giving fruits at all?

 

[Rosey24]

Is their water supply deep enough for them to put their whole beaks into so their can clear their nostrils?

Yes it is

 

[Crazy Maizie]

What is the best grit for them? And should I not be giving fruits at all?

I would not give any treats which means no fruit for now. They would only need grit if you give anything other than their feed. I didn't give treats until the were done brooding.
The grit to give ducklings is called "chick grit". For best nutrition and growth, its best to stick with a feed made for ducklings or poultry.
What feed are they getting?

 

[SolarDuck]

You can give fruits or other treats in small amounts, I wouldn't let it be more than 5% of their overall diet though. And if you do, you will need grit. You can get a bag of chick grit at any feed store, and many pet stores and Walmarts.