New (with ducking photos and a question about crested)

[duckmylife]

I'm new to backyard ducks. We recently moved to a tiny farm (2 stall barn, 3.3 acres). We added four ducklings to our family (ordered through our local farm & feed store). We now have 2 cayuga ducklings and 2 black and white magpie ducklings.

Unfortunately, it looks like one of our cayugas may be crested. He is in the 3rd photo. Am I correct that he is crested? I have read is a genetic defect that leads to higher mortality and higher risk for injury. Is there anything special I should be doing to take care of this duckling? I briefly searched for info, and saw several warnings about crested ducks - but no specifics about what to do differently if you have one. Any advice would be appreciated!

 

[Miss Lydia]

What precious pics.



I am not positive that is a crest if it is it's tiny and probably not much to worry about if it is a crest it's not going to be much of one.
Just be sure to give your ducklings some niacin supplementation if you are feeding them chick starter. It doesn't have the amt duckling need to have strong legs and brain health.
125 mg plain niacin mixed into a gal of water daily made fresh daily or 1 Tab of Nutritional or Brewers Yeast per cup of feed, both given until 10 weeks of age.

If you use niacin it can't be flush free or time released.

@duckmylife

 

[chickens really]

The one has a crest and it's too small to be a real issue..Adorable Ducklings and adorable little girl excited over them..
Congrats...

 

[Smuvers Farm]

Glad you're here !

A must have for your poultry is a FIRST AID KIT for any issues that would arise. (https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/suggestions-for-a-first-aid-kit.1150128/)
It's definitely better to have it and not need it rather than need it and not have it.

Also, make sure your coop(s) have a proper amount of VENTILATION. (https://www.backyardchickens.com/ar...-there-and-cut-more-holes-in-your-coop.47774/) Your chickens will absolutely thank you for it!

One last thing, if you're into gardening, feel free to join this years SEED SWAP (https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/seed-swap.1220129/)

 

[duckmylife]

What precious pics.



I am not positive that is a crest if it is it's tiny and probably not much to worry about if it is a crest it's not going to be much of one.
Just be sure to give your ducklings some niacin supplementation if you are feeding them chick starter. It doesn't have the amt duckling need to have strong legs and brain health.
125 mg plain niacin mixed into a gal of water daily made fresh daily or 1 Tab of Nutritional or Brewers Yeast per cup of feed, both given until 10 weeks of age.

If you use niacin it can't be flush free or time released.

@duckmylife

Thanks so much for the info! I've been using brewers yeast and chick starter because the feed store didn't have any duckling specific food. But I ordered duckling specific food that should be here tomorrow. If the food is duckling specific, then you don't need to supplement with brewers yeast, right?

 

[duckmylife]

The one has a crest and it's too small to be a real issue..Adorable Ducklings and adorable little girl excited over them..
Congrats...

Good to know that it probably won't be a real issue. And thanks! My daughter has been so excited about the ducklings. She helped her dad build the duck run. It isn't finished yet, but they have been cementing the posts in and we are using hardware mesh for the walls and roof. She is a great helper

 

[chickens really]

Good to know that it probably won't be a real issue. And thanks! My daughter has been so excited about the ducklings. She helped her dad build the duck run. It isn't finished yet, but they have been cementing the posts in and we are using hardware mesh for the walls and roof. She is a great helper

She is adorable and reminds me of myself helping my Dad and Grandpa with the Birds..

 

[duckmylife]

Glad you're here !

A must have for your poultry is a FIRST AID KIT for any issues that would arise. (https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/suggestions-for-a-first-aid-kit.1150128/)
It's definitely better to have it and not need it rather than need it and not have it.

Also, make sure your coop(s) have a proper amount of VENTILATION. (https://www.backyardchickens.com/ar...-there-and-cut-more-holes-in-your-coop.47774/) Your chickens will absolutely thank you for it!

One last thing, if you're into gardening, feel free to join this years SEED SWAP (https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/seed-swap.1220129/)

Awesome advice about the first aid kit. That is something we hadn't thought about - and will definitely prepare for.

Our coop is a converted horse stall and has lots of ventilation.

And we are definitely interested in the seed swap

 

[Julie Birb]

I'm new to backyard ducks. We recently moved to a tiny farm (2 stall barn, 3.3 acres). We added four ducklings to our family (ordered through our local farm & feed store). We now have 2 cayuga ducklings and 2 black and white magpie ducklings.

Unfortunately, it looks like one of our cayugas may be crested. He is in the 3rd photo. Am I correct that he is crested? I have read is a genetic defect that leads to higher mortality and higher risk for injury. Is there anything special I should be doing to take care of this duckling? I briefly searched for info, and saw several warnings about crested ducks - but no specifics about what to do differently if you have one. Any advice would be appreciated! View attachment 1308495 View attachment 1308496 View attachment 1308497 View attachment 1308498

The little girl and duckling birds are beyond adorable.

 

[duckmylife]

The little girl and duckling birds are beyond adorable.

Aww, Thanks. She is REALLY excited. Her little brother is slightly terrified of the ducklings - but is slowing starting to warm up to them. She has claimed one of the cayuga's as "hers."