When can ducks swim?

[harkey1995]

I have 5 ducks, 1 is around 3 weeks, Two are over 2 weeks and 2 are barley over 1 week. I run a warm bath in the tub with a box they can climb on when they want out. i do supervise the entire time.. they love it they dive and swim and have fun... but my question is, How old dose they younger two "the week old" ducks need to be before i introduce them to the water? I'm scared of them not being able to swim, or getting sick from not being able to repel water like the older ones. I feel bad because while the 3 older ducks are swiming having fun, the younger two are back in the "pen" screaming for because there lonely...

 

[dan26552]

Ducklings can swim from day one, that being said they do need supervision cause if they get tired and can't get out they will drown.

 

[harkey1995]

Ducklings can swim from day one, that being said they do need supervision cause if they get tired and can't get out they will drown.

Ok thank you so much! I guess tomorrow we will find out if they enjoy swimming as much as the others.. The pekin swims and cleans but then gets out, the "supposed to be" khaki cambells constantly swim and swim under the water lol they look like frogs. scares me tho them swimming under the water.. i may post video tomorrow to show how they do in the tub.

 

[Going Quackers]

Since they are being human raised they are less waterproof than young with their mama.. that said Chill is the biggest concern, followed by drowning because of lack of waterproofing...

I usually wait till week 2-3.. and ensure not only is the area warm but they are well dried, and not cold. Ducklings are super cute in the tub, gosh i have lost count how many i have had here... i would also suggest putting something in the tub so they can climb up so to rest to ease exhaustion while swimming.

 

[harkey1995]

Thank you.

 

[TLWR]

Mine have all been in the water the day after they arrive. Just take care to make sure they are warm enough when they get out.
I used to towel dry and put back in the brooder with the light a bit closer until they were dry.
Being in water will encourage the oil gland.

 

[harkey1995]

Thanks! I did not know it helps them with encouraging the oils.. I guess its true that white pekins produce less oil because "chip" loves to swim but gets out when she gets wet, but jumps right back in lol I keep the water nice and warm for them, and i sit there watching them the entire time, so she should be good?? or do i need to take her out when she gets wet... And i use old sweeter that's really warm, i put it in the dryer for more warmth. for some reason they love getting wrapped up in a cover, i know people that have ducklings and they don't like being held like that.. Hopefully this is a sign that they will be real loyal and trust worthy later on

 

[Going Quackers]

Thanks! I did not know it helps them with encouraging the oils.. I guess its true that white pekins produce less oil because "chip" loves to swim but gets out when she gets wet, but jumps right back in lol I keep the water nice and warm for them, and i sit there watching them the entire time, so she should be good?? or do i need to take her out when she gets wet... And i use old sweeter that's really warm, i put it in the dryer for more warmth. for some reason they love getting wrapped up in a cover, i know people that have ducklings and they don't like being held like that.. Hopefully this is a sign that they will be real loyal and trust worthy later on

who said that?

Reason i say simply not my finding at all, my pekins are VERY water proof, i would say pretty much all mallard derived are, now my Muscovy? no so much but they are loosely duck based and not mallard derived at all.

If the duckling gets overly soaked they tire and drown, this is why you must be careful... towels are fine..

 

[needlessjunk]

Mine went swimming the day after they arrived. I made sure they had an area in the water where they could stand and used a bath mat so they had something to grip and wouldn't slip around. After a few days they loved it being deeper but I never made it deep that they couldn't touch in a least one spot. I would dry them off with a warm blow dryer on low. The biggest thing is making sure they don't get chilled and don't drown. If you are watching them tabs drying then off I don't see any reason why they can't all go swimming now.

 

[Richb353]

Hello,
I let mine swim (supervised) a few days after they arrived:

I made sure to build a little island in the pool for them to rest, sunbathe, relax on. Afterwards, there was a heatlamp they could use for warmth, but here in Florida they never used it. They would preen like adults, but you can tell that they are not as buoyant without real feathers.
Enjoy,
Rich