Some general duck questions

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I have no idea about about that stuff. Never have used anything like it. The most I do is the packets of the electrolyte powder that you add to a gallon of water. And if it doesn't say then it is probably just a calorie rich energy punch. So you can give it here and there. But they should (if healthy) thrive with their food and water. No problems. Muscovy are very hardy. Ducks in general are but Muscovy are even more so. I wouldn't do the medicine stuff unless their still acting sluggish or off tomorrow. Don't want to overwhelm their digestive track!!!
 
Ok perfect !! This is this one time indoor cage setup.

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It's a dog cage. We wrapped a blanket around the big openings and added cardboard on bottom. A open box with some hay, food and water
 
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Next to my hand ( I've got big hands)

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The Black one weighed more for sure. I'm assuming 2 hens 1 drake, but that's guessing
 
Just a few things I can add
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Swimming that young is totally fine, as long as you supervise and make sure they don't get too cold, keep the water warm-ish (maybe skin temperature, that's what I did). If they don't preen afterwards and dry themselves off, you can just help them out gently with a towel, but they probably won't have issues at this age.

Nutri-Drench, I've never used myself, but from looking it up and what I've heard others on here say, it's fine for them to have daily. It's a boost in vitamins for them, so it shouldn't be anything with much risk of being harmful.

They're very cute! Might be good to be only starting with 3 anyway, gives you a chance to learn what it's like having them
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Can't ever prepare for everything, it's gonna be a learning experience for a long time!
 
Ok great to know. I might give them another drop in the morning and be done with it.

Just found out my neighbors actually like my chicken noise, and they are totally ok with ducks lol.

Now I would really like some geese too, but they might be a little loud lol

I'm starting to think chickens are gateway poultry. Next thing I know I'm going to have a emu in my back yard.
 
Hahahahahahaha yes. Chickens are most everyones gateway drug for sure. Sounds great very happy for you!!! It's addicting getting different kinds of birds!!! Any questions continue to ask!!! Good luck!!!
 
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Woke up and the ducks were wide awake and alert. They didn't eat any food but they did drink water (bowl was a good 2 inchs lower)

So I am assuming they are closer to 8-10 weeks. So that means by March they should be sexually mature. Now ducks have a seasonal laying period correct? When is it, or does it differ from duck to duck? I am hoping they will be ready for next season.

I actually think I will go ahead and let them hatch out the first clutch.
 
Natural seasonal laying is spring through early to late fall. Depends on the bird. Muscovy's that I have had typically go a little later in fall than my turkeys and geese. But they will stop laying a lot of the time around end of October or beginning of November I think. But with artificial lighting they will lay mostly all year long. But, like others have said, they will burn out sooner. But, if you want duck eggs all year, all this means is more meat and replacing your stock sooner than if you let them keep their natural cycle. 3 year old hen with artificial light will likely need to be replaced with a younger one the following year. totally your own personal preference. I have a very large family and eat a lot of eggs so my entire coop is set at 17 hours of artificial light a day all year long. And I get a lot of eggs. For instance I replace my Japanese quail every year. But for 1 year each hen lays an egg a day. I get 26 to 30 eggs a day everyday from them. I have 30 hens. But again, totally personal preference. And what you wanna do with YOUR birds. And most likely yours will probably start early next spring. Whether they are 8 weeks old or 3 weeks old. Only reliable way, in my own experience, to get a hen to start laying mid winter, (if that's when they hit sexual maturity) is with artificial lighting. So. Yep!!
 
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