The Duck Thread

[Amiga]

My ducks have been taking a daily swim in the bathtub and have been spending the day outside with a small basin to swim in. We noticed yesterday that they are no longer water repellent. and are getting soaked. Did they spend too much time in the water? They are 2 and 3 weeks old. We had to dry them in the towel to get water off. Usually only their feet seem wet.

At two or three weeks, it's more of a bath than a swim because they aren't fully feathered. At the same time, I found daily bathtime good for my ducklings. I kept the water warm, around 80F or more, and made sure they went back into a clean, dry, warm brooder. If they did not immediately start preening, I wiped them off with a dry washcloth.

graham B,

It may be a nutrient deficiency. Some ducklings are more sensitive than others. What are you feeding them? Many of us start niacin supplements at the first sign of deficiency, if not sooner.

 

[graham B]

At two or three weeks, it's more of a bath than a swim because they aren't fully feathered.  At the same time, I found daily bathtime good for my ducklings.  I kept the water warm, around 80F or more, and made sure they went back into a clean, dry, warm brooder.  If they did not immediately start preening, I wiped them off with a dry washcloth.

graham B,

It may be a nutrient deficiency.  Some ducklings are more sensitive than others.  What are you feeding them?  Many of us start niacin supplements at the first sign of deficiency, if not sooner.

Amiga,

I am feeding them chick crumb... Unmedicated as I can't find any duck crumb anywhere. It's all I give them as I have been told that they are not to have any other treats... They are a few days short of 3 weeks old.... The duckling in question seems to eat and drink as good as the others... He just shakes when standing and when he walks.

 

[Miss Lydia]

Amiga,

I am feeding them chick crumb... Unmedicated as I can't find any duck crumb anywhere. It's all I give them as I have been told that they are not to have any other treats... They are a few days short of 3 weeks old.... The duckling in question seems to eat and drink as good as the others... He just shakes when standing and when he walks.

I'm not Amiga but if you can get some plain niacin or Brewers yeast and start giving it to your duckling I believe it will help a lot. Some ducklings just seem to need more than others. 100-150mg of niacin crushed into a 1 gal. waterer or 1 tab Brewers yeast sprinkled over top of their feed daily. doesn't usually take long to see results.

 

[graham B]

I'm not Amiga but if you can get some plain niacin or Brewers yeast and start giving it to your duckling I believe it will help a lot. Some ducklings just seem to need more than others. 100-150mg of niacin crushed into a 1 gal. waterer or 1 tab Brewers yeast sprinkled over top of their feed daily. doesn't usually take long to see results.

Miss Lydia,

Thanks for the advice. I will get some brewers yeast tomorrow....

 

[Miss Lydia]

Miss Lydia,

Thanks for the advice. I will get some brewers yeast tomorrow....

Keep us posted on how your duckling does, will be thinking of you all.

 

[GAIL328]

I have kept them out of the water for a few days and only let them swim for a short time today. They love the water.

 

[Amiga]

I'm not Amiga but if you can get some plain niacin or Brewers yeast and start giving it to your duckling I believe it will help a lot. Some ducklings just seem to need more than others. 100-150mg of niacin crushed into a 1 gal. waterer or 1 tab Brewers yeast sprinkled over top of their feed daily. doesn't usually take long to see results.

What Miss Lydia said.

 

[audiomilk]

Does anyone buy duck or goose egg cartons? If so, where from?

 

[BScott03]

I now know why they call them "ugly ducklings" my poor babies look so bad right now with half feathers and have down! Haha

 

[Miss Lydia]

I now know why they call them "ugly ducklings" my poor babies look so bad right now with half feathers and have down! Haha

They do go through "That" awkward stage don't they.