Surprise ducklings while expecting chicks!

[Realtree4]

I'm expecting about 26 baby chicks next week so we went to TSC to pick up the chick starter and thanks to my dear husband (I love him!) we walked walked out with 6 Khaki Campbell ducklings!

I rushed home, set up a fast brooder for them (not expected at all) and turns out I am loving them! They're so adorable! But I don't know ducks and have been reading all about them the past two days. They are doing really well, snuggle up for a nap and then they are off scurrying about....so much fun to watch.

One question....is it normal for them to clean each other? That's the only thing I can think of. At first, I thought that they were picking on each other, but it doesn't look like they are hurting each other. They keep going to town on the cardboard and where we have duct taped the edges shut...I keep checking to make sure they aren't eating it!

The brooder is staying between 80-83 and they seem really happy, I believe they are 1 1/2 weeks by now. They run around and then rest on the edge of the heat lamp light, but they don't pile on top of each other like they're too cold. My goal was to brood my chicks (and now ducks) on our enclosed porch but I'm afraid I won't be able to get the heat up as high as I need it with this darn weather staying in the high 40's as a high during the day

So here's hoping that it won't be too long I can move them out there!!!

Then my husband can work on their new duck house!

I'm so excited and hooked on these ducks now!


edited to add picture and fix the darn typo

 

[jenniemig]

I'm expecting about 26 baby chicks next week so we went to TSC to pick up the chick starter and thanks to my dear husband (I love him!) we walked walked out with 6 Khaki Campbell ducklings!

I rushed home, set up a fast brooder for them (not expected at all) and turns out I am loving them! They're so adorable! But I don't know ducks and have been reading all about them the past two days. They are doing really well, snuggle up for a nap and then they are off scurrying about....so much fun to watch.

One question....is it normal for them to clean each other? That's the only thing I can think of. At first, I thought that they were picking on each other, but it doesn't look like they are hurting each other. They keep going to town on the cardboard and where we have duct taped the edges shut...I keep checking to make sure they aren't eating it!

The brooder is staying between 80-83 and they seem really happy, I believe they are 1 1/2 weeks by now. They run around and then rest on the edge of the heat lamp light, but they don't pile on top of each other like they're too cold. My goal was to brood my chicks (and now ducks) on our enclosed porch but I'm afraid I won't be able to get the heat up as high as I need it with this darn weather staying in the high 40's as a high during the day

So here's hoping that it won't be too long I can move them out there!!!

Then my husband can work on their new duck house!

I'm so excited and hooked on these ducks now!


edited to add picture and fix the darn typo

They are adorable! I have one khaki campbell, she is so quiet and sweet

This is a great thread with tons of information on caring for ducklings since they're a little different than chicks, especially when it comes to feeding and watering.

https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/750869/raising-and-caring-for-ducklings#post_10611711

Good luck with your babies and keep posting pictures!

 

[Going Quackers]

The link posted above is useful. I find ducklings don't require the heat chicks do especially if brooded indoors where it's heated. My "kids" right now are 1.5 ish and i switched it off their in my house and were just too hot, i always ensure the lamp is set up where it can allow them to get away from it.

Yes, they love to preen each other thankfully they don't peck one another like chicks do lol unfortunately, they make a water, dirty mess to compromise for this getting on better..

Ducks are very "mouthy" and often dabble at things, since the bill is rounded it's less likely for them to rip stuff off but do watch regardless.

welcome to ducks and the forum! love to see updates.

 

[nayeli]

Awe, they are precious! Congrats on your new additions. You can read everything but as with parenting you will learn "on the job"

p.s. I'm not discouraging you to read everything =D