/ Register

  1. If this is your first time on BYC, we suggest you start with one of these three options:
    Raising Chickens Chicken Coops Join BYC
    If you're already a member of our community, click here to login & click here to learn what's new!

Time for a swim!

Discussion in 'Ducks' started by GeneviaJ, Mar 25, 2011.

Most Liked Posts
  1. Mar 25, 2011 #1
    GeneviaJ

    GeneviaJ Out Of The Brooder

    16
    0
    32
    Feb 14, 2011
    I got 2 khaki campbell ducklings on Wed when they were 1 day old, they are 4 days old now. When can they go for their first swim? I've heard that they can swim their first few days, and I've also heard to wait a month or so. So, when is it safe for them to tread water?
     
  3. Mar 25, 2011 #2
    FireTigeris

    FireTigeris Tyger! Tyger! burning bright

    5,038
    34
    258
    Nov 22, 2009
    Jacksonville, FL - Arligton-
    Quote:they -can- swim after they get dry hatching and can walk-

    BUT THEY CAN DROWN, they are not water proof untill they have full feathering and if they get tired as chicks and they stop swimming they -may- waterlog and die.

    (also they need somewhere warm after the swim to dry off and warm up)
     
  5. Mar 25, 2011 #3
    GeneviaJ

    GeneviaJ Out Of The Brooder

    16
    0
    32
    Feb 14, 2011
    OK, thanks. So, I guess I'll wait until they get their feathers. Also...is it normal for them to sleep more than the chicks? They sleep quite a bit. They are still eating & drinking fine though.
     
  7. Mar 25, 2011 #4
    Wifezilla

    Wifezilla Positively Ducky

    11,199
    42
    311
    Oct 2, 2008
    Colorado
    Ducks grow wicked fast. So yeah, they get sleepy easy. And they can swim after they are a day or so old. Just start out with short swims, dry them off well and put them back in the warm brooder.
     
  9. Mar 25, 2011 #5
    DuckLover179

    DuckLover179 Waddles & Puddles

    6,780
    5
    221
    Nov 28, 2010
    California
    My ducklings went for their first swim at 6 days old. I had my hands in with them, so they could perch if they got tired. Just supervise them the whole time. The bath should last 5-10 minutes. After the bath dry them off with a towel, and put them back in the brooder. They shouldn't have swimming water available 24/7 until they have their feathers. [​IMG] Oh, and yes they sleep a lot!!! It's because they are growing, so they need lots of rest to catch up with their little bodies.
     

BackYard Chickens is proudly sponsored by