Vaccines?

[Crayonsmom]

So... My birthday is coming up soon. I do have MANY horse items on my list because I love my Crayon to bits and want her to have everything she could possibly need...

But... ever since all of our old ducks were gone, I've wanted a new duck. I really do want a houshold duck that I can keep friendly and take on walks and such. But I decided right away that I want him/her to be better cared for than our sweet kitties are. What types of vaccinations/ worming (do ducksget worms?!), etc to I have to administer and how often?

What types of vitamins and minerals do ducks need as well and what can I feed to provide these?

Thanks so much!

 

[ChickenToes]

Ducks don't really need any vaccines. They are more naturally disease resistant than chickens.

You should really think about getting more than one duck, they are very social creatures and they really benefit from having a buddy.

If you get ducklings, feed them either gamebird feed or non-medicated chick starter. Ducklings need extra niacin, so go to the vitamin section of your local store and grab a small bottle of niacin. Crush one into their water everyday.

Adults don't need extra niacin, or any other mineral. Just make sure they have plenty of water and feed. They love treats, too.

You do not have to worm ducks unless you actually see worms in their poo. I've never had a problem with worms or any other illness/disease with my ducks. They are very hardy birds.

Good luck!

 

[Crayonsmom]

Thanks!

I will actaully probably get a few ducklings because when our other ducks got older we didn't have to buy eggs anymore and to be honest, I prefer ducks eggs over chicken eggs. lol. But I'd just like to personalize one of them a bit more.

I've seen all of these vaccines and stuff on the McMurray Hatchery site, but I guess those are mostly for chickens.

 

[Wifezilla]

The only problem I have had with my ducks (so far...knock on wood) was a young female that got a lung infection and died. It was cold, wet and miserable for weeks...unusual for Colorado and I think it was fungal. That is basically duck kryptonite...fungal infections.

 

[Crayonsmom]

Ok, so I'll make sure to keep things pretty dry... Well, aside from a pool or something. Just not musty or mildew-y.