The Duck Thread

[strue08]

Can anyone tell me what's the best bedding for ducklings as well as chicks that doesn't stink? My lucky duck is having feet troubles and I don't know what to do!!

We soaked it in Epsom salt water and cleaned it up and bandaged it but it looks pretty mangled. Right now we're using sand with sweet pzd mixed in but it still stinks and I'm worried about the ducks feet now

 

[buff goose guy]

well i would use either paper towels or newspaper just for now and youd have to change it every few hours but it would keep the foot clean ( if not cleaner)

 

[Honey Maid]

I use bath towels, put a couple in the brooder and change them every day. Actually I have 4 bath towels in there, 2 layers, then I change the top ones, toss them in the washer. Keeps everything dry and clean, for a bit.

 

[Amykins]

Eh, newspapers are a bit slick. What I do is buy a bunch of cheap washcloths in bulk (thrift store is a great place to buy cheap linens!) and let the babies run around on that. Paper towels can work, they're still a bit slick but not nearly as much as newspaper. And they're disposable.

I hope your lil' guy's feet get better!

 

[needlessjunk]

I used puppy pads for a bit and then shavings. Once I got the water under control we did pretty well with shavings, just changed them daily if needed.

 

[attimus]

What kinda of waterer are you using?

this helped with all the splashing when mine were wee little ones. I also used the rotating towel method.

 

[strue08]

Thanks for all y'all's help! I spent around 3 hours bringing this guy back to life when he came home so he's got a spot in my heart, so keep your fingers crossed and I'll let you know how everything goes! Thanks once again everyone! Lucky duck thanks you too

 

[strue08]

What kinda of waterer are you using?

this helped with all the splashing when mine were wee little ones. I also used the rotating towel method.

We have a waterer as well as a couple plastic food containers for them to go to

 

[Amiga]

Stink comes from a lack of oxygen. Something airier than sand ought to help.

I suggest a layer of pine shavings (do a sniff test - if they are very aromatic, let them air out for a day somewhere else first, to save your littles' lungs). On top of the pine shavings put an old or otherwise expendable towel. I used towels for my eleven ducklings. I shook them out over the garden, washed dried and reused. Worked great. No bad smells, ever.

About the feet - yes, Epsom salt soaks, then let the air get to them. I think wrapping them may be counterproductive at this point.

Keep the bedding mostly dry by setting up a watering station that the duckling(s) can go into and splash, but it keeps the water out of most of the bedding.

https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/641902/created-a-water-saver-for-my-duck-brooder

https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/679433/water-water-everywhere/10

https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/858161/feed-water-solution-for-brooder#post_12901321

http://frankiemakes.blogspot.ca/2012/06/watering-solution-for-ducks.html

https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/259876/do-your-ducks-have-water-at-night/10#po

 

[Lizzy456]

Will commercial chicken layer feed work for ducks?
I've read about how starter is different but I don't think I've read anything about layer.