raising a few ducks with a brood of chicks, my first ducks, a couple ?

[cutlass1972]

I ordered 3 ducks along with my chick order just to give them a try. Do I need to provide a little pool of some sort for them in the brooder? If that is the case I am going to have to brood them separate from my chicks as I think the chicks will drown. I was hoping to brood them all together as they are all going to be sharing the yard together at some point.

Is it sufficient to just let them play in a tub of water for a little while every day outside of the brooder?


Just a note, I do have a pond in my front yard so they will have a place to swim and play when they get bigger, I am just worried about their stay in the brooder until then.

 

[1lpoock]

Quote:
That will be good enough while they are young...just supervise them...you can brood them with chicks but they both should eat different feed and the ducks will make it soo much more messy because when they drink, unlike chicks, they get it everywhere....up to you.

 

[veronicasmom]

cool user name, I had a 72 Cutlass!

 

[cutlass1972]

I have both the ducklings, Guinea Keets, and Chicks all eating flock raiser. According to the package I think this should be OK. I have noticed the ducks are messy drinkers, and they eat a LOT more than the chicks.

I had a 72 Cutlass S holiday coupe. I wish I had it back now! We have all had at least one like that.

 

[duckyfromoz]

The ducklings will be messier- but no reason you cant brood them together, but it is important that the ducklings have access to extra water each day so they can clean their faces bills and nostrils. So the idea of giving them a little tub outside the brooder each day is good.
Im sure you will find raising the ducks lots of fun and quite a differnt experience in some ways to raising chicks. They all have such cute little ways about them- but watching ducklings swimming is wonderful.
Good luck with all your new arrivals.

 

[cutlass1972]

Yeah, so far I have enjoyed them a lot more than I thought I would. I only got them to appeaze the G/F, but after watchign them and playing with them for a couple of days they are particular little critters and have lots of personality.

 

[Duck_feeder]

As long as the water container is deep enough for the ducklings to dip their entire bill to clear out their nostrils, that's all the water they need for now. They need water that deep available to them at all times. While they will enjoy baths, many people (including myself) do not let them swim until they are a little older. Young ducklings aren't very waterproof and can drown with little warning. If you letthem swim, keep it shallow and watch them at all times. If a duckling looks like it's sinking, take it out and dry it off. Don't leave them wet when they are still young or they may get chilled.