When I went to get my chicks I couldn't resist the ducks and I have not a clue...

[ChickenMack]

When I went to the feed store to get my chicks, I couldn't resist a pair of ducks, you know how that goes. I haven't a clue as to what to do. Right now, they are in the brooder with the chicks, they are all about two weeks old. They are eating medicated chick feed- I was told that it was okay and they are thriving. Please give me directions as to where I need to go next.

When do I seperate them? Can I keep them in the same yard as the hens when they are all big? (My plan is to let them range during the day but lock them up at night and keep them in the chicken yard when we go away for a weekend or two).

Since they do not have a duck mother, when do I expose them to swimming? It is still quite chilly in NW WA and I don't want to expose them to the weather. When do they start producing their own feather oils?

Also, I am worried that they don't walk much in the brooder, they take a few steps and then plop right down. Is this normal?

Oh, and they are Blue Swedish ducks if you have any advice or knowledge to share about this breed it will be greatly appreciated.

 

[Filet]

It may be too hot in the brooder for the ducks, they tend to need less heat then the chicks, so if there is a way to set up the brooder where the light isn't in one area they will be happy. Do they have a waterer that is deep enough for them to clean their bill out? Also you can let them swim, but they should be monitored right now because if they are kept in too long they could drown. What I did was made a little bath for them each day..away from the chickens (they don't like the water) and just watched them and when they seemed tired out and not doing much I would take them out. Also there is no need to separate them when they are older, if they are raised together they will love each other. Just make sure that when you make the coop and run you have things they both like, nests boxes, roosts, some kind of pool or pond for the ducks, and a dry area for the chickens.

 

[Amiga]

Since they are on chick starter, I would add a sprinkling of brewer's yeast to their food each day, or 100 mg of niacin to their water (ducklings need three times the niacin chicks do, or they are at risk of nerve problems . . . some are more sensitive than others to this).

Ditto being able to wash their heads frequently, to prevent infections.

Anytime you feel like uploading photo's, we'll be happy to check them out!