Pekin Duck Club!

[jaimitastic]

First you need so kind of thermometer so you can keep track of temps in the brooder a digital one is best, especially if your turning the lamp off during the day they can chill, and they can get over heated too so knowing what your brooder temp is, is important. at 2 weeks they should have between 80-85 . And feeding them anything other than their starter with out grit can be harmful because they have no way of chewing up the peas and apple so they need to have some grit[chick] offered in a separate bowl than feed. I wouldn't be too concerned about the poop unless you notice them not eating and becoming lethargic or you see blood. But do keep in mind that what they eat does show up when they poop, in color and consistency.You haven't see nothing yet.    Not to make light of this, of course when we are first time ducks moms everything is worrisome . Be sure to post some pics when you get a chance too. and if anything changes of course post back. also went back and reread your first post, if you haven't already i would suggest you start your ducklings on some Brewers yeast sprinkled on top of their feed daily this is a good source of Niacin which is lacking in the chick feed we have to feed our ducklings but they need it to have healthy legs, 1 Tab to 1 cup of feed till 10 weeks old, or if you can find it, Plain niacin tablets crushed and mixed in to 1 gallon of fresh water then put into what ever waterer you are using. again daily till 10 weeks old. 

Thank you! I've been searching high and low for niacin but can't find it anywhere. There is a vitamin store near my school that I plan on checking tonight.

I also had no idea about the treats. We'll hold off on those until they are older and outside. I had just been reading about it being a good way for bonding and blindly followed suit.

I do have a digital thermometer somewhere. I just need to dig it out.

Ducks are seriously a whole new ballpark. I'm way more accustomed to rodents.

 

[BattleFires]

I just got off the phone with the TSC people and they insist it's a Pekin…… I don't really believe them.

 

[Miss Lydia]

I just got off the phone with the TSC people and they insist it's a Pekin…… I don't really believe them.

Well I don't blame you for not believing them some have posted this year that TSc had no idea what breed of ducks they had, but I do know some went specifically for Runners when they had them there, The store probably didn't know it though.

 

[Miss Lydia]

Thank you! I've been searching high and low for niacin but can't find it anywhere. There is a vitamin store near my school that I plan on checking tonight.

I also had no idea about the treats. We'll hold off on those until they are older and outside. I had just been reading about it being a good way for bonding and blindly followed suit.

I do have a digital thermometer somewhere. I just need to dig it out.

Ducks are seriously a whole new ballpark. I'm way more accustomed to rodents.

Rodents?? oh my goodness I'll stick to poultry thank you.

 

[nurseallison]

Hello everyone, I'm new to the group. I am a new Pekin owner. My guys are 2 weeks old now. Beezus and Daisy are their names. I also have 6 chicks. I am amazed at how quickly the ducks are growing.

 

[JFreeman]

The thing I most want to discourage is putting ducklings at risk because the brooder is becoming difficult to manage.  Predators love duckling.  They have all night while you are in to get at that duckling.  Each duck has different temperature requirements in my experience.  I keep my flock where the least hardy stays healthy.  Do you know how cold it gets in your outdoor shelter yet?

Yeah, that was supposed to say "How long do" not "how do." I wasn't going to put them out there because of the brooder thing. I was asking so I can figure out the deadline my DH has before their pen needs to be built. I have a temporary pen made for them to go on nice days that get to 65-76 degrees.

 

[cluckcluck3499]

Some of the TSC have had Runners this year and looking at your smallest yellow makes me think Runner. Can you give them a call and see if they may have had some when you got your ducklings? 

I would have to agree. It looks like its standing more up right to be a pekin

 

[Kelsykin]

I just got off the phone with the TSC people and they insist it's a Pekin…… I don't really believe them.

My TSC was suppose to get a batch of Pekins in. They opened the box marker Pekins and it was full of Rouens/Mallards. Luckily that store most of the workers have ducks and chickens, so they knew they were not Pekins.

Every time I go in I offer to take care of the chicks and the ducks free of charge for them. The manager laughs and mentions the rather large pocket of my jacket could hold a "few dozen chicks with out anybody noticing"

Yes, he watches me closely, because he knows I would take the entire tub and run. lol

 

[Miss Lydia]

My TSC was suppose to get a batch of Pekins in. They opened the box marker Pekins and it was full of Rouens/Mallards. Luckily that store most of the workers have ducks and chickens, so they knew they were not Pekins.

Every time I go in I offer to take care of the chicks and the ducks free of charge for them. The manager laughs and mentions the rather large pocket of my jacket could hold a "few dozen chicks with out anybody noticing"

Yes, he watches me closely, because he knows I would take the entire tub and run. lol

Maybe he's hinting he'd like for you to take a few home

 

[cluckcluck3499]

My pekin kurly has this bruising on her bill and I'm not sure how she got it. Is there something I need to give her to help with it or...? I'm new to ducks, pardon all my questions.