The Duck Thread

[Ren2014]

Anyone???... Hi there, Can someone please recommend a great incubator for Muscovy Duck Eggs please? And any helpful tips for a successful hatching? Thanks so much!!

I have a LG 930 forced air. I DO NOT recommend this. I got a Genesis Hova Bator for Christmas and will try it with the Musovy eggs I have on order

Yep, depends on a few things...

How many do you plan to hatch at one time? How often do you plan to hatch? Budget you plan to spend?

I love my Brinsea Octagon 20 Advance with humidity pump. Lots of great options out there, so give a little more info and I'm sure we can direct you a little better!

I'm jealous

 

[Ren2014]

5 of 6 Pekin/KC have external pips

 

[Tevyes Dad]

I gave it as long as they had their own water... About 8 weeks
.

 

[Ren2014]

I gave it as long as they had their own water... About 8 weeks
.

Good to know. Thanks

 

[tomynoks]

You know they always surprise me too! I thought that maybe when I separated the drakes date would be really upset and stressed out but after a day or two they seem to be a lot calmer now got along they weren't fighting and I just looked a whole lot better and happier This is voice text so read it fast and it might make sense ha ha!

 

[MandyJ]

Hi,

I need advice. I am trying to be proactive. I will be getting some ducklings in May (I already have 2 Pekin ducks).

What all do I need for the ducklings medicine wise? I have read about niacin (How much for how long?), save-a-chick (How long do I give it, something else?). Any other meds new ducklings will need? I don't have brooders or such, just plain old home raiser. Feed (What kind?) Any advice as to where to keep them until they are bigger? A Box? I'm open, give me advice. I have never raised ducks! Help!

Thanks!

 

[tomynoks]

Much better people on here to give advice than me, but I'll share what I do and wait to be corrected!! Lol. A box and light will work for a brooder just check temp and be absolutely sure it can't get too hot. Temp should be 90 to start 1 day olds and drop 1 degree a week until around 80.. Then 80 until they go outside at 7-8 weeks. That's what I do. Make sure they are eating and drinking water. If you get day old ducks dip their bills in water and make sites their nares/nostrils are free of egg matter and to teach them to drink feed can be chick starter with Brewers yeast added. Non medicated is best. Brewers yeast contains small amounts of niacin so there's not much chance of them getting too much. I'm currently adding 1/2 a tablet to each day's water supply for 2 ducklings. Please buy a thermometer to check temps!! Very important. I just lost 2 ducklings either they got too warm or suffocated on egg matter. So I'm sharing that experience in the hopes that no one else makes the same mistakes. These are the two survivors!!! 3 days old

 

[Ravynscroft]

Hi,

I need advice.  I am trying to be proactive.  I will be getting some ducklings in May (I already have 2 Pekin ducks). 

What all do I need for the ducklings medicine wise?  I have read about niacin (How much for how long?), save-a-chick (How long do I give it, something else?).  Any other meds new ducklings will need?  I don't have brooders or such, just plain old home raiser. Feed (What kind?) Any advice as to where to keep them until they are bigger?  A Box?  I'm open, give me advice. I have never raised ducks! Help!

Thanks!

I toss in my 2 cents, lol...

First, how many and what kind? Their size and especially how many will make a big difference in how you brood them... ducklings are very messy, but 4 or so isn't bad... go up to 6, then 8 and the mess grows exponentially, that's a duckie mess rule I swear...

I use a heat lamp with a dimmer switch plug control, those things work really well... start around 90 and I usually go down approx 5 degrees each week, ducklings don't need to be quite as warm as chicks, but keeping them dry can be a challenge...

I suggest putting 1/4 hardware cloth over a deep baking pan and setting their waterer on top of that and that will cut down on wet cleanups a lot...

I prefer NutriDrench Poultry vitamins for their water as needed, or a boost to a weaker 'ling...

I agree on using Brewers yeast as being easier than niacin tabs... sprinkle on food and good to go, lol...

For food, yes you can use chick starter, but I personally prefer Purina Flock Raiser... pretty good all around feed from hatch to lay for ducks and chickens, and cuts down on changing feed/multiple types...

Vet wrap, antiobiotic ointment w/out pain reliever, clear iodine, epsom salts are all good things to keep on hand...

Can't think of anything else right now, but hope this helps... I know others can give more advice as well... good luck!

 

[WVduckchick]

I have a LG 930 forced air.  I DO NOT recommend this.  I got a Genesis Hova Bator for Christmas and will try it with the Musovy eggs I have on order

I'm jealous

When are your muscovy eggs due to arrive? Ooooh exciting!

And I found my Brinsea on CL, used maybe once or twice in a classroom! I still paid a good bit, but not as much as new. They aren't often on CL, but do occasionally show up.
She also had an Rcom, I kinda wish I had bought it too! Lol

 

[AxolotlLove]

Haha... Look at his long neck