Urgent advice needed for my white campbells

[marieclemens]

hello im a first time duck owner to three white campbells that i got two days ago. they are very frightened of me and when i go near to talk to them they quack very loud and panic falling over water & food trays, i have kept them in their run since ive had them to get used to it, im struggling to get them in their house at night without getting them in a panic hurting themselves one has quite a limp this morning. i know it will take time for them to get used to new surroundings and my family can any one give me tips? i have a large garden in the country with a pond that wild ducks visit, when should i let mine out to roam? will they go through my hedges like the other ducks and into neighbouring river? the place that delivered them said they dont fly. i also need advice on feeding, she said the way to a ducks heart is food, they are currently on layers pellets. im really worried and ive only had them two days!! id be so greatful for any advice and help they are so beautiful but hate seeing them stressed out and squarking when i go near xxx

 

[jdywntr]

hello im a first time duck owner to three white campbells that i got two days ago. they are very frightened of me and when i go near to talk to them they quack very loud and panic falling over water & food trays, i have kept them in their run since ive had them to get used to it, im struggling to get them in their house at night without getting them in a panic hurting themselves one has quite a limp this morning. i know it will take time for them to get used to new surroundings and my family can any one give me tips? i have a large garden in the country with a pond that wild ducks visit, when should i let mine out to roam? will they go through my hedges like the other ducks and into neighbouring river? the place that delivered them said they dont fly. i also need advice on feeding, she said the way to a ducks heart is food, they are currently on layers pellets. im really worried and ive only had them two days!! id be so greatful for any advice and help they are so beautiful but hate seeing them stressed out and squarking when i go near xxx

and take a breath.

Okay. I am assuming they are half grown or full grown ducks but what age are they?

It is best to keep them in a confined area for at least a few days so that they know where their house is. If their house is big enough, I'd probably leave them in there for a few days and then let them out in the run. After they are going in at night on their own (and remember, their idea of night may be earlier or later than yours ) from the run, I'd do supervised outings.

Offer them treats, peas are usually a favorite, and sit with them quietly. They are prey animals and that is the behavior that they are exhibiting. They are in a new place and are terrified. Give them some time but since they are obviously injuring themselves in their fright, I'd keep them confined for a bit.

 

[marieclemens]

Hello , thank you for response im not sure how old they are I really wasnt told anything when they were delivered. They are very big so id say adult. Im in the process of having a bigger run extention made for a plastic pool they can swim in when im out as mine is narrow but long. The run is getting messy so am cleaning it out daily to prevent flies etc. What time should I let them out in run and put them in house at night? the house isnt big enough to stay in all the time. I will try peas do they have to be steamed or anything? Sorry for all these questions im just so worried im doing everything wrong! xxx

[/IMG]

 

[marieclemens]

my run is approx 12ft. Im using wood shavings for bedding would hay be more comfortable for them. I have noone else to ask for advice as I dont no anybody with ducks xxxx

 

[HollyDuckFarmer]

I've used both wood shavings and hay, I must say for me straw is much cheaper and my ducks seem to like it. Depending upon how fine the shavings are, that could possibly become an issue down the line... But I don't think that's what's going on. As JW wrote, what you described is typical behavior for frightened ducks. Best thing for you to do is move slowly and quietly, and give things time. Looking at your run, personally I think it might be a bit small. Storey's Guide has the numerical measurements... Hmmm. I'm thinking it was 2.5 square feet per duck minimum for overnight shelter only, then outdoors ? I can't recall. But just to give you an idea, I house 8 ducks in an outdoor pen of 300 square feet , so each duck gets 37.5 square feet. The overnight or severe weather outdoor pen is much smaller, that is likely much closer to the. 2.5-3 square foot measure. Bigger spaces are better for your ducks.

 

[marieclemens]

thank you i cant wait to let them roam around my garden it is very big with a lovely pond that they will love just need to blick a few holes in hedging so they cant get into neighbouring river xxx

 

[cosbackyard]

Those are full-grown.
As others have said - give them peas. Don't need to be cooked, just not frozen. Or heck, even frozen mine will eat them.
Before you know it they'll be following you around.

If you have a limping duck you may want to add crushed up niacin to their water. They need it to develop strong legs.

Keep an eye on them if you let them roam to the pond. Always have them in by dusk would be my recommendation. Earlier is better.

 

[marieclemens]

have changed bedding from shavings to hay tonight and just read in a leaflet i got with food to avoid hay as it balls up when eaten and causes respitory conditions yet others ive read use hay should i revert back to shavings tomorrow?

 

[HollyDuckFarmer]

Keep an eye and ear out-- are your ducks sneezing? Do they have water deep enough to dunk their heads to clear (or clean) the nares (=nose holes)? I have never had any issues at all with either hay or straw, the sawdust that I did use (in a wet emergency) did seem to me that because it was very very fine, like tiny particles were floating around in the air that concerned me. I think you may ask 3 people and get 3 different answers, so your best bet is probly to watch your ducks and then make your decision. Also, I wanted to tell you that in my experience, it is a good idea to keep your new ducks contained for a few days while they adjust to their new home. You're doing the right thing.

 

[marieclemens]

Thank you so much hollyduckfarmer. I now have a large bowl they dunk their whole head in and they seem to like. One was sneezing a bit I saw yesterday but the shavings were quite fine and sharp so will see how they do with hay.