What I have learned about ducks - first 24 hours

[LindaJean]

1. They all survived very well coming from Ca. to Wa - with a heat pack - (3 total mailed to me)
2. New ducklings peep they don't quack
3. Dipping their bills in the water right at first really does get them to drink
4. They really do love water - the cardboard box is doomed!
Day 2 -
1. They don't like having their leg bands cut off - but it's easy to see that that was a necessity
2. If you put water in their brooder - you can't use a cardboard box!!!
3. Now in a cement mixer tub - wood shavings and food at one end - drinking water and "pond" at the other end is working
4. Using a 3-4" deep plastic container filled with water - they are frolicking and diving and having a great time
5. Changing their water is going to be a frequent event - indiscriminate poopers
6. Great YouTube video from Metzer Farms (where I got my darlings) on sexing ducklings
7. They seem to not like it as hot as the chicks do
8.. Make sure they have plenty of drinking water as they seem to use it to help the crumbles go down

What a treat it is to have these darling creatures!!!

 

[CorinneP]

Soo Fun isnt it !! And Ducks are messier : ) Sounds like your making them a nice little play ground .. they also jump higher and can get out easier .. I Just got two one day old Mallards yesterday that actually joined right in with my chicks that are about a week old.. They are holding their own and already leaping higher .. The Last time I raised Baby chicks I had to clean their Area daily and needed a screen very quickly as they can get out pretty young .. Enjoy ~

 

[CorinneP]

I meant the last time I raised baby ducks

 

[gryeyes]

LindaJean, Metzer Farms ducklings are wonderful! I have three little Cayuga girls in a brooder right now.

Plus, you have my first and middle name too!

Ducklings do NOT need it as hot as chicks, or for as long.

Unlike chicks, however, they put all their growing energy into building body size, and will feather out that fluff later than chicks. They'll grow MUCH faster but still look like babies with their fluff for a few weeks.

Wait for the sideway look up at you - your heart will melt.

Ducks are always smiling. Look at their bills to see what I mean.

They won't quack right away, but at about three weeks or so, if you pick one up suddenly and she quacks really loudly because she's startled, that's a girl. The boys don't quack, but sort of mumble-quack, huskier.

The way they pop their heads up to try to see out of the brooder just makes me laugh.

 

[jessiduck]

All so true!!!!!!!!!!!!! Love/related to what you said about cardboard!!! Enjoy your beautiful babies and when you get a chance , do post some pictures!!!!!!

 

[LindaJean]

My ducklings are close to a week old - gradually moving them to larger and larger containers - yes, only three, but very very exuberant and busy !!!!!!!!!