What do i need for a duck?

[duck-horselover]

hi i am buying two ducks on the 26 of september (next sunday) just wondering if i could have a list of what i will need to make sure i have everything thanks. ( no jokes please) and i am getting to welsh harlequin ducks they will both be females.

 

[jtn42248]

hi i am buying two ducks on the 26 of september (next sunday) just wondering if i could have a list of what i will need to make sure i have everything thanks. ( no jokes please) and i am getting to welsh harlequin ducks they will both be females.

Do you know how old the ducks are? Sexing them will be easier if they are older and near impossible if they are still very young. If you end up with one male and one female there is the chance that she could be over bred when mature since males mate a lot. Two males or Two females would be best if you are only able to have two. You indicate that they are both female so, if sexing is accurate, you should be o.k.

If they are still just ducklings you can start them on Chick Starter feed with a little Brewers Yeast sprinkled on it for the first few months of their lives. The Brewers Yeast adds essential niacin that waterfowl need in order to develop strong bones and healthy neurological functions. If you can get a waterfowl starter feed even better but make certain it has niacin in quantities that waterfowl require. If they are older and beginning to be laying age you can feed them either Chicken Layer food or, and my suggestion, a quality mixed flock feed like Purina Flock Raiser or Dumor Poultry both of which are designed for mixed flocks of poultry.

Fresh water for them to drink and deep enough for them to dunk their heads/bills in order to clean their nares (nostrils) is essential. Also, water MUST be available with their food in order for them to eat. You will notice that they grab some food then drinks some water.

If they are only ducklings you may want to hold off on any water for them to swim and play in until they get their adult feathers. Ducklings can not secrete the oils necessary to waterproof themselves and swimming at too young an age can result in them getting chilled, sick and possibly die. If they are older a kiddie pool will provide adequate swimming and bathing water but you will need to clean it and change the water every day or two.

What kind of shelter and safe home will they have? They will need shade to get out of the hot sun and they will need shelter to sleep in that can be locked and be made predator proof.

Best of luck and when you get them post pictures...we love pictures.

 

[quackingdom]

You need...

Food. Usually, people start with commercial feed – chick starter for ducklings and layer feed for adults. Some people branch out into natural feeds later on. Many people feed their ducks veggies and fruits such as tomatoes, lettuce, cabbage, cucumbers, apples, and more. Many people also feed mealworms. I feed my ducks wheat and sorghum, as well. You also need a feeder for the commercial feed or grain. You can either offer the food free-choice (24/7) or at scheduled times. I offer it twice a day, morning and evening.

Water. You need a waterer, and the water needs to be refilled every day, sometimes twice a day. It needs to be scrubbed clean of algae every few weeks. Once they have feathers, you can give them a bathtub. The waterer needs to be deep enough that they can submerge their entire bill.

Shelter. It should be predator-proof. It doesn't need to be large for just two ducks, maybe 3x3 feet is enough. It needs to be cleaned regularly. It should have a nest.
A pen. Again, doesn't need to be large, but bigger than the shelter so they have room to forage. It needs a fence and some shade.

Care. Every day, you need to feed them, give them water, clean their pen (maybe every couple days), and then spend time with them so they will be tame. Don't chase them any more than necessary. Get them used to your presence by just sitting nearby and reading. You can progress to giving them treats out of your hands once they are comfortable near you.

(Oops, just now noticed, much of this information is a duplicate of Jon's.)

 

[duck-horselover]

Thanks so much i need all of that info and i have got them a safe place to sleep (big coop) and i will have them sexed (i am getting them from actual breeders and i will post HEAPS of pics i love pics to