New to this and ducks

[TheDrake]

I took some pics of the ducklings today and their pen. I also let them forage (for the first time!!!!) in the fenced in backyard (fence small enough they can't get out but when I went to catch them they tried to slip through and two of them got halfway and nearly gave me a heart attack, so I don't think I'll be doing that again any time soon) they were so cute and had a good time. I hosed out their kennel/pen and cleaned everything while they were foraging. Course it takes no time at all for them to mess it all up again. Here's the pics I took today. And they don't have names yet, I'm not the one who wrote Hannah on the side of the crate, the crate was given to me.
The duckling in front is the one I think might be a drake, it's not a quality picture so you can't really see but it's head and beak are more yellow than the other three. He is the only one that looks different.

 

[GitaBooks]

Nice ducks!

 

[TheDrake]

Thank you Gitabooks. Does anyone happen to know how important it is for ducklings to forage even while still eating the purina flock raiser crumbles? I just get so nervous. But if need be I can make a little run for them off the kennel/pen with chicken wire. Once they have feathers and can fly I will let them out to the pond. They are 5 weeks old right now.

 

[GitaBooks]

Ducks love to forage. It makes them happy, strengthens muscles, adds vitamins and fiber to their diet, and the fresh-air and sunlight are great for them. However, forage isn't necessary at this age, so its your own personal choice.
A small run would be nice, but make sure they can get back to a heat light until they are fully feathered.
Crumbles are suppose to be a complete diet, so they should be getting all the nutrition they need, as long as they are getting a supplement of niacin with that.

I hope this helps!

 

[TheDrake]

They were off the heat lamp when I got them a week ago. Probably because it's Louisiana and hot as Hell. I do take their swimming/bathing water away at night though so they can't get soaked and catch a chill. I will consider a run. They definitely like their kennel/pen. What an upgrade from the big plastic container (the orange one that is tipped over with hay in it in the kennel/pen now).

 

[marcelineduckie]

so sweet, yeah they don't need to forage but it will make them happy and if you can find little worms they will seriously tear those out of.your hand for.sure!