Please share your duck knowledge!

[KNCox]

We have 12 chickens and 1 baby duck that’s a Ancona. I don’t know anything about the breed or what his/her markings mean. All I know is we love our little duckling we call Alfredo! Alfredo is currently eating non-medicated chicken feed and is housed with 3 baby silkies currently. I would love to hear everyone tips and tricks for treats or play time! Or if there are sexting tips as well for when Alfredo gets bigger. I appreciate everyone who takes the time to post their knowledge!

 

[Isaac 0]

Welcome to BYC.
Waterfowl are very social animals, so it is recommended they be kept with other ducks; it would be best for the duckling if you think about getting one more, or preferably several (in case one passes) to help keep it company through all hours of the day. It is also generally best to house ducklings with ducklings, not other species such as chickens due to the increased chance of coccidiosis the ducks will create by making a wet brooder environment.
A duck feed or all flock feed is more suitable as a feed for ducklings since it contains higher niacin levels; something most chick feeds lack.
https://www.tractorsupply.com/tsc/product/purina-flock-raiser-crumbles-premium-poultry-feed-50-lb
Around eight-ten weeks of age, you should be able to voice sex the duckling. When young, males either peep or make slight rasps - females on the other hand will start to make loud honks, then eventually start quacking something the males will never do.
The duck stickies have some great info if you'd like to check it out:
https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/ducks-sticky-topics-index.256233/
Ducklings should have access to head deep water when young so they can properly lavage and blow debris from their eyes and nares. If you do not have a dish like that provided, I suggest you do so to avoid problems.

 

[CluckerFamily]

It’s great that you are using non medicated feed but she will need niacin added to the feed where chickens don’t need the niacin added. Without niacin, the ducklings feathers will quickly grow to be Angel wings. Ducklings also grow very fast compared to chicks. In a couple days or weeks she will double their size and even triple the chick size.

 

[KNCox]

Thank you both so much I will go and get duck food today with that in it! The guy I got my new chicks from told me to purchase just the non medicated chicken feed and that the chicks would keep the duck company. I am so glad I posted here. I want Alfredo to be happy and not lonely. Currently my baby chicks think Alfredo is mom and try to get under him/her lol!! Are they’re any busy toys you make for your ducks?

 

[fatty and friends]

Thank you both so much I will go and get duck food today with that in it! The guy I got my new chicks from told me to purchase just the non medicated chicken feed and that the chicks would keep the duck company. I am so glad I posted here. I want Alfredo to be happy and not lonely. Currently my baby chicks think Alfredo is mom and try to get under him/her lol!! Are they’re any busy toys you make for your ducks?

hi, ducks need other ducks and they need a duck specific food to thrive. for babies i recommend either mannapro duckling/gosling starter or mazuri waterfowl starter. mine LOVE toys, i could private message you some of the links to the toys i have for them?

 

[KNCox]

Yes please do! When the guy gets back into town I’ll see if I can adopt Alfredos brother or sister