Water and food consumption

[hwc2243]

We just got our first ducks and I have some questions on water and food consumption. We have 6 Mallard ducks and they seem to consume about 1 quart of water every 3-4 hours. I'm just curious if this is typical? I'm assuming we should provide them as much water as they will drink? Also on the feed side, how much should they eat? These 6 don't seem to be eating a lot...maybe 1/4 lb every 24 hours?

 

[duckyfromoz]

How old are these ducks?? Food and water consumption should be considered in relation to age- size.
Other than the feed provided- are they able to forage any other source of food?

 

[Amiga]

Welcome to the forum!

My ducklings (runners, a smallish breed) go through water at varying rates. At first, a quart lasted eight hours or so, that quickly changed, as they grew.

Also, I found that when they do not have opportunity to wash off (at first I used a cake pan and 90 degree F water, then later bathtub up to their bellies again, 90 F), they go through more water trying to clean off.

Keeping clean drinking water before them always is important their first several weeks. I let mine go without food and water overnight ( 6 to 8 hours) once I realized that at night they were mostly just playing and preening.

Food-wise, I have followed the same philosophy of keeping food (sprinkled with a teaspoon of chick sized grit) available to them 24/7. When I removed the water overnight, the food went, too, so they won't choke.

These are some general observations from my experience. I hope they are helpful.

By the way, other than their age, could you tell us what you are feeding them?