Week old ducklings swimming

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I let mine in the tub with shallow warm water at day 2. They stood there and preened a little, then played a lot. I made sure to dry each off with a towel before putting them in the brooder to get warm and dry. The tub is sloped slightly so they could get out of the water on one end and it was barely to their bellies on the deep end under the faucet.

I let them swim and wash under supervision after they finished eating (and therefore a little dirty, since fermented feed is wet and they sling it everywhere) so when they go back to the brooder they are ready for a nap. Seems like they are on 1.5hr cycle of eating/drinking/playing, then sleeping for awhile. Then they're up and ready for more.
 
A few things to pay attention to and they should be fine. Keep the water shallow enough that they can stand if they want. Keep the water warmer than the air. Generally these early swims will be indoors in a draft free room. Generally as they start to chill they become less active in the water. You'll see after a bit they will just be standing around preening and not playing/swimming anymore. That's when it's time to get out. I usually scoop them up with a towel (their little toenails are so sharp) and this protects me and absorbs some water. Then put them back in the brooder near the heat to preen and dry off. Sometimes I would lower the heat lamp a bit while they are still drying. Also, while they are swimming is a great opportunity to do a deep clean on the brooder and fill it with fresh totally dry bedding.
 
Mine started swimming at about a week old. I would put them in the bath tub as well. I would let them swim about 10 minutes or so, or until I noticed them slowing down and not wanting to swim as much. I would take them out and somewhat dry them with a towel and then let them preen for a minute before putting them back in the brooder. They would sit under the heat lamp for a little after until they were fully dry, then it was back to their usual antics. Swim time was always a favorite for them and for us to watch!
 
NewPoultryMom2019 said:
My mom, do you mean you or their duck mom? I've heard that if they have their duck mom they can go in asap. But I don't know how right that is?
Click to expand...
I'm not their mom.:lau I'm not even female.:lau
Sure I meant their mother, there can only be one.;)
 

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