Raising and caring for ducklings

[brklync]

When does a ducking mature? When will my ducklings be able to join my adult chickens in the coop and eat layer feed?

 

[Miss Lydia]

When does a ducking mature? When will my ducklings be able to join my adult chickens in the coop and eat layer feed?

They may never be able to be with them, depends on the temperament of your chickens, when introducing new flock members no matter what breed, it should be done slowly, put up temp fencing maybe try the plastic poultry fencing That's what I use, keep the young ones in there side by side with adult chickens and let them get to know each other that way for a couple weeks, then try letting them be together. It still may not work but hopefully it will, and by 4 months ducklings look like adults physically. ducks can start laying by 5 months and drakes can begin mating 5-6 months. so keeping a close eye on drakes is very important too since drakes can kill chicken hens if they mate with them. starting with 1st egg start feeding layer just like chickens.

 

[chickery-do]

I'm feeding it duck pellets right now, so when it starts to lay I will change to layer/grower but will I have to feed them niacin, brewers yeast and all that stuff also?

 

[chickery-do]

OOPS! When do their tails (not) curl?

Think a curling iron works? lol

 

[jdywntr]

I'm feeding it duck pellets right now, so when it starts to lay I will change to layer/grower but will I have to feed them niacin, brewers yeast and all that stuff also?

Niacin should be provided for the first 10 weeks or so if they are being fed chick starter. If they are eating a feed made for growing ducks, they shouldn't need the added niacin.

I forgot to hit mutlitple so for your other question, drakes will vary on the age when they get their curl. I have some Pekin who are about 3 months old now ( I think) and 2 have had noticable curls for a few weeks now. But other breeds can take up to 4-5 months.

 

[chickery-do]

I must have boys, thou they act like m/f and their voices are like males.
But the one I feel is the boy has had a curled back end. He's very protective of her and she
always places her head under his for protection. They are 5 or 6 weeks here. She's smaller than him also
If you look at the picture you will see what I mean. But I know it does not mean it will be
what it will be.

 

[Speceider]

Because they are still class 2 ducklings (they still have down) they are not even in juvenile plumage....curled tail coverts will not show until first alternate....in at least 2 more months....

Clint

 

[randylove1951]

why would my duck sit for 26 days on fertile eggs and then not sit on the eggs?

 

[Amiga]

why would my duck sit for 26 days on fertile eggs and then not sit on the eggs?

Domestic ducks do the strangest things. Romy goes intensely broody - for three or four days. Some ducks hatch the eggs, then attack the ducklings. You just don't know how it will go. Do you have access to an incubator?

 

[kzavi]

My mallards are a day old, is it too early to introduce them to water and feed?