Put my name on the waiting list...

[Crazyland]

Well, I know I had lost my mind quiet a while ago.

Today I put my name on a waiting list for some Silver Appleyard Ducklings due in April. I figure with the shipping and not wanting 10 ducklings it was better to pay just a little more for some locally.

I really don't know anything about ducklings.

How old do they have to be before they can move out of the brooder?

Ideas for housing for about 4-6 when full grown?

How do you teach them about water? meaning how often do they get in the bathtub?

Special requirements for food? Anything in particular they have to have in their diet?

Once they are full grown they will have a covered woody marsh/pond to play in. Any good way to teach them to come in when called?

 

[Crazyland]

We I jumped in yesterday and got 2 mallards at TSC.

But can anyone still answer my questions?

 

[duckyfromoz]

Moving them out of the brooder depends a bit on the weather where you are. Mess can sometimes be the biggest reason for wanting them outside but you want to consider still bringing them back into the brooder at night for while if you are still experiencing cool nights once they have grown most of their feathers. I dont usually put mine outide until they around 5 weeks old.

Ducks dont usually need to be taught to swim- but they do need to be watched around deep water until they are older. I usually let them have their first swim at 5 days old but only in about 2 inches of water and only for a few minutes. Young ducklings tend to get waterlogged if they are in the water too long. And they will need somewhere warm to dry off again. As they get older you can incrase the water level and time they can swim for.

 

[fisharescary]

Quote:
About the food, here is what I have heard. Bear in mind I haven't put it into practice yet.
You can feed them chick starter, but make sure it's unmedicated. Also you would need to add niacin (brewer's yeast is the easiest way) to their food.
or feed them specific waterfowl starter, which should come with the niacin in it already.

Speaking of food...I hear it's a great way to train them, among other things, to come when called. There's an 'ultimate list of duck treats' somewhere in that sticky at the top of the ducks page, I believe.

(edited for clarity)