Raising baby ducks

[Ducks98]

I have 2 baby ducks in my house right now because of weather.They are both a week old now.This is my first time with baby ducks being raised my the mom.I have a question,When can i introduce a a pool to them because they keep trying to get in the water can?I've read a lot of different things saying that after the baby's hatch the mom duck takes the baby's to the pond or lake.I have mallard ducks.ducks. Plz Help.I can post pics if u want.

 

[DUCKOBSESSED]

I have always let mine swim at one week. Only with a small container and supervision. You have to dry them off when they are done and make sure they stay warm. But you have to be right there for when they get tired. But thats just how I do it, other people like to wait longer. And I would love to see pics!

 

[Ducks98]

How should i go about this since the babies are being raised by mom?

 

[HollyDuckFarmer]

Ok, so you have 1 mom and 2 babies in the house? And you want to let them swim?

I think if I was going to do that, I'd do a rubber dishpan deal. I **always** let mom do all the work. She can & will teach them.

 

[desertdarlene]

Make sure whatever you use for swimming that the ducklings can get in and out of by themselves. Mama will usually do the rest, but you might want to keep an eye on them just in case.

 

[Mr MKK FARMS]

Ok, so you have 1 mom and 2 babies in the house? And you want to let them swim?

I think if I was going to do that, I'd do a rubber dishpan deal. I **always** let mom do all the work. She can & will teach them.

Good post.

 

[DucksnDaffodils]

I had a Mom hatch out a baby this spring and she took that baby out swimming in our small pond when it was 2 days old!!! And that baby floated like a little cork and swam like it had been doing it all it's life! PLEASE understand I am NOT saying that is the safest way, but just goes to prove that they are created to swim, and do it well.

 

[HollyDuckFarmer]

@DucksnDaffodils
That is true, momma ducks do that. Here I have had moms take day old hatchlings swimming in 35'F weather, ...but it's absolutely 100% Different for ducklings raised by humans vs. duckling raised by duck moms.

@desertdarlene wrote:
Make sure whatever you use for swimming that the ducklings can get in and out of by themselves. Mama will usually do the rest, but you might want to keep an eye on them just in case.

And she is very right!

(Sorry-- my quote and reply will not work)