(pics added) Ok I am VERY new to ducks and I just aquired a duckling

[PAchickenlover]

Ok I am VERY new to ducks and I just aquired a duckling it came with a Silky hen. She thinks the duckling is hers and it thinks that she is its mom. Oh, Wow, so many questions......... Oh I guess I didn't mention that i noticed last night that it has scabs on its neck like it had been attacked by something, well before we ever had it. I put sme anibacterial cream on it (without pain killer).

So it is being raised by a chicken.... will it learn to swim on its own or are we going to have to give it short swimming lessons?

What all should it have to eat? Does it need special food?

Are there any serious medical conditions that i need to watch for?

When can I or should I take it away from the (chicken) hen?

Is there anything else important that I need to know?

Thank you in advance for any information or suggestions. I have no idea how old it is. All I know is it is Yellow and fuzzy still.

Thanks,
Mollie

 

[ZoeS95423]

Quote:
If its yellow and fuzzy its most likely fairly young still, for right now, you should feed it chick starter, non medicated. And you should probably get it a friend too.

 

[PAchickenlover]

Please anyone?????

 

[PAchickenlover]

Will medicated feed hurt it? That it all I have right now...

 

[StevenW.]

Quote:
No.
I've always started my ducklings on Medicated Chick Starter.

 

[PAchickenlover]

Thank you!!! Got me worried there for a minute...

 

[PAchickenlover]

Can anyone answer my other questions?

 

[galgo98]

Check Zoe's post (#2). I believe they answered your questions in the quoted part of the post.
I just got ducks this year too, so I'm not an expert. But, the book "Storey's Guide to Raising Ducks" has been very helpful (there are some on Ebay for $10-15). Also, look up some of your questions in the search box. I got tons of great info from this forum... I just think everybody's sleeping right now! Also try posting a pic, we are suckers for pictures!!
I assume you are in PA... I grew up in York, now in Lebanon.

 

[PAchickenlover]

Yes I am in York. Glad to meet another Yorker. Thank you I will try to look up some of my questions. I didn't expect to be getting a duckling now i feel overwhelmed with not knowing what to do for it. My kids fell in love with it instantly and it is adorable. If i can find my camera I will take a pic of it.
Thanks.
Mollie

 

[PAchickenlover]

Still looking for some answers to questions....

How old are ducklings when they start to feather out?

and still trying to find some answers to some of the questions that I asked before.

Here is a picture of my duckling and yes that is a Silky hen with it.