When do they swim?

[RileyB]

Is it too early for my 8 week old duck to play in an inside container of water? It obviously does not have its feathers yet, so I want to make sure it doesn't get too wet and cold.

 

[QuackedUp]

I am no expert. That said... I think 8 weeks is plenty time enough for them to play in shallow water. When my ducklings were about 5 weeks old I bought a 'flimsy' (soft bodied) baby pool from Walgreen's and filled it only about 1 inch. The sides of the baby pool lay on the ground. The ducklings had a blast in the water. They glided their bodies through the shallow water, splashed, and kind of 'went crazy' in delight! I would just make sure that the water is shallow enough for the duckling to touch the ground, although they may be buoyant by now and may have fully functioning oil glands. It is better to be safe.

Just make sure the water is shallow and that the ducklings can get out with ease. Also, I would see that you have a working brooder light on hand just in case the ducklings' oils hasn't fully come in. They may need a warm light to go to after frolicking in the water for a while. Also, a half-way filled (clean) litter box or a pie pan is a wonderful place for them to play while they are little. They will likely sit in it.

 

[Mum]

At 8 weeks old it should have feathers by now.

8 weeks old is ok to let them play in water.

 

[BigBlock]

My ducks have been swimming since I got them at about 2 weeks. Just gotta watch them for when they get soggy, they start to sink!