Pekin ducklings from TSC

[iluvsedward]

Can they over eat? Their necks get so big and they still go for more food. Should I take their food away when their necks get big? It freaks me out

Hmm are you cooking the peas or are they frozen? make sure they are defrosted first so they're softer, you might even want to cut them. Minnows go right down though. Maybe you should feed them a little bit at a time, then when the food goes down give it back and take it away again, you know what I mean?

 

[Ashleyvp918]

Hmm are you cooking the peas or are they frozen? make sure they are defrosted first so they're softer, you might even want to cut them. Minnows go right down though. Maybe you should feed them a little bit at a time, then when the food goes down give it back and take it away again, you know what I mean?

I just thaw the peas and give them to them. Maybe I will actually cook them and let them cool down. The minnows stay in their neck too.

 

[Ashleyvp918]

Hmm are you cooking the peas or are they frozen? make sure they are defrosted first so they're softer, you might even want to cut them. Minnows go right down though. Maybe you should feed them a little bit at a time, then when the food goes down give it back and take it away again, you know what I mean?

I just thaw the peas and give them to them. Maybe I will actually cook them and let them cool down. The minnows stay in their neck too.

 

[Ashleyvp918]

Thanks for all the help everyone!!

 

[ducklucky]

It sounds like their diet is just fine, altho you might want to take away the cracked corn for just a week or two. Mine are on a similar diet, they do love their peas, and as long as they are thawed, you don't have to cook them, they're pretty much ready to eat out of the bag. I defrost mine by just opening the top of the bag and running hot water into it and letting it sit, and then again til they're just warm, but not hot. A small hole in the bottom of the bag lets the water run out slowly, but allows them to defrost quite quickly without dirtying a pot. Trust me, when they see that pea bag coming they come a runnin'! Just looks like your little guy is something of a glutton and doesn't give things enough time to "hit bottom," maybe try to hand feed him a small amount at a time to teach him he doesn't have to gorge himself. Must be very uncomfortable for him! He's obviously in competition for his feed, can't get enough fast enough. Smaller portions maybe several times a day rather than free feeding? I don't know, just guessing. Should probably outgrow it pretty quickly, but we don't want to see him choke. If it hasn't already resolved, try taking away the cracked corn or drastically reduce the portion. I'm a big one for cracked corn for my chickens and ducks in winter, but almost eliminate it when the weather warms. It is good for them, and creates body heat naturally. And yes, water, water all the time, the one thing that is 100% essential. And never give them bread or anything that can swell up in their guts. Just keep an eye on him and if he's pooping ok, he'll probably outgrow it. Minnows might be a bit large for them yet, and if he's scooping them tail first, that would be tough for even us to swallow. Good luck, let everyone know how he makes out in the next few weeks.

 

[Ashleyvp918]

It sounds like their diet is just fine, altho you might want to take away the cracked corn for just a week or two.  Mine are on a similar diet, they do love their peas, and as long as they are thawed, you don't have to cook them, they're pretty much ready to eat out of the bag.  I defrost mine by just opening the top of the bag and running hot water into it and letting it sit, and then again til they're just warm, but not hot.  A small hole in the bottom of the bag lets the water run out slowly, but allows them to defrost quite quickly without dirtying a pot.  Trust me, when they see that pea bag coming they come a runnin'!   Just looks like your little guy is something of a glutton and doesn't give things enough time to "hit bottom,"  maybe try to hand feed him a small amount at a time to teach him he doesn't have to gorge himself.  Must be very uncomfortable for him!  He's obviously in competition for his feed, can't get enough fast enough.  Smaller portions maybe several times a day rather than free feeding?  I don't know, just guessing.  Should probably outgrow it pretty quickly, but we don't want to see him choke.  If it hasn't already resolved, try taking away the cracked corn or drastically reduce the portion.  I'm a big one for cracked corn for my chickens and ducks in winter, but almost eliminate it when the weather warms.  It is good for them, and creates body heat naturally.  And yes, water, water all the time, the one thing that is 100% essential.  And never give them bread or anything that can swell up in their guts.  Just keep an eye on him and if he's pooping ok, he'll probably outgrow it.  Minnows might be a bit large for them yet, and if he's scooping them tail first, that would be tough for even us to swallow.  Good luck, let everyone know how he makes out in the next few weeks.

Lol yes they see that bag of peas and go crazy!! Today, I did give them small amounts at a time and it seems to be working. They poop just fine LOL also with the minnows, once they see the blue net I use to catch them they go nuts... They were attacking my feet and jumping to get the net while I was waiting to catch some. They are extremely smart. I'm not really sure how they swallow the minnows they eat them so fast I guess they just eat them which ever way they can catch them, but when I feed them I hold them by their tails. I don't give them bread although tonight they did eat some of the pieces I was using to catch the minnows, I don't know what else to use. I made them mixed veggies today (because they ate all the peas) and took out the green beans and they literally picked through it and ate all the peas and left the carrots and corn which were smashed and soft, they are so picky

 

[Linda45804]

I got ducks from TSC here in Lima, Ohio The ducks have teal and one has purple on their wings. Are they Mallards? Also, I have six Bantam Chickens but 3 are roosters. I need to trade someone 2 roosters for 2 hens anyone interested?

 

[Miss Lydia]

I got ducks from TSC here in Lima, Ohio The ducks have teal and one has purple on their wings. Are they Mallards? Also, I have six Bantam Chickens but 3 are roosters. I need to trade someone 2 roosters for 2 hens anyone interested?

Sounds like they maybe, can you post some pics?

are they small or large because Rouens also have coloring like mallards but are very large.