Skiddish Ducklings with Diarrhea

[green-acres]

Hello, I’m new to the forum, and to raising chickens and ducks.

I’ve got 3 ducklings purchased from Tractor Supply that I’m guessing are around 2 weeks old. We’ve had them for probably 5-7 days. They’ve been very skiddish the whole time. Any time I try to hold one, they all start chirping loudly. I’d like to be able to hold them. What’s the best way to get them used to humans without stressing them?

They also seem to all have very runny diarrhea. Is this normal?

Other than this, they seem happy.

Also, I’ve noticed them eating chicken feathers. Is this dangerous? This just started recently. I think the diarrhea has been going on since we got them.

I keep them in a homemade brooder with a temperature controlled heat lamp in the garage at night since we’re in the 60s right now at night, and let them outside in a pen (near, but separate from the chickens) during the day since it’s in the 80s - 90s.

Thanks!

 

[Magnolia Ducks]

Ducks poop a lot. Post pictures of the poop but its probably normal. What are you feeding them? Ducks need water deep enough to clear their nostrils. I see a chicken waterer here. That's not good for ducks. You need to get them a bowl to dunk their nostrils at least while outside. the chicken waterer you can use at night as they are very messy little things. You will soon not need heat.

 

[Miss Lydia]

They are so cute.

 

[Miss Lydia]

Perfect for ducklings