Your opinions on duck brooder area needed

[MerryMeridional]

We're getting closer to arrival and I'm getting excited!

I went ahead and set up my brooder area in the tub. I am using a "thing" found on the property when we bought the house for their sleeping area, it's a big tile attached to wood sides with an overhang on a side with the other side open. Nonskid shelf liner is on the bottom of the tub. A plastic kitty litter pan with pine shavings is inside the sleeping area. Food and water near the bath tub drain in case of spills. I have a heating pad without the auto shutoff and want to attach it to the back of the tile contraption that is currently open, unless it would be better to put on the roof of the house? The front which is facing the drain/food area has a little lip to give them a semblance of privacy.

Thoughts? What am I overlooking here? Is the space way too small for 5 indian runner babies?

I have a job offer that I am strongly considering and thought I'd have all day to play with ducks. But maybe not, so I need to be sure they are in a good place during the day. I think I'll be around them for about 2 weeks before I am away from the house during the day for a job (if I take it, this is a pending decision).

We could put them out in the coop sooner rather than later if they need more space during the day. I was going to keep them indoors for a solid 4 weeks, maybe closer to 6, depending on circumstances. The snow is about melted off so I can install my HWC apron later this week hopefully.

 

[chickens really]

Honestly I'd buy a large tote because your tub will be disgusting in days plus the smell will definitely get to you..
Ducklings poop and mess in water nonstop..

 

[chickens really]

Definitely if you can raise them in the Coop with a heat source...

 

[MerryMeridional]

Honestly I'd buy a large tote because your tub will be disgusting in days plus the smell will definitely get to you..
Ducklings poop and mess in water nonstop..

I have a blue 50gal storage bin, would that do it? I am really not sure how much space these tiny things need, and how long that space will last before they outgrow.

Thanks for the input. I was thinking I could just wash it down the drain but I think I'm grossly underestimating the amount of waste they will produce. I saw a guy who used a tarp to line his space, and I do have an extra tarp laying around.

 

[MerryMeridional]

Definitely if you can raise them in the Coop with a heat source...

The main reason I wanted them inside the house is so my dogs could get used to them and be less in "freakout mode" when they see the ducks. My boy needs to learn to ignore them (high prey drive, but he wants to please us), and the girl needs to know she can't get the zoomies around them and knock them over. But they can both be trained.

Might be just enough time before I have to go to work, then in the coop they go. Hmm.....ideas....

 

[chickens really]

I have a blue 50gal storage bin, would that do it? I am really not sure how much space these tiny things need, and how long that space will last before they outgrow.

Thanks for the input. I was thinking I could just wash it down the drain but I think I'm grossly underestimating the amount of waste they will produce. I saw a guy who used a tarp to line his space, and I do have an extra tarp laying around.

No..Seriously you will want them on pine shavings to cut back the smell. Definitely they won't be in your house till 4 to 6 weeks because they are so smelly and dirty. The quickest time is best Depending on your location.

 

[chickens really]

Do you have a garage?

 

[MerryMeridional]

Do you have a garage?

Yes, I do. I need to put a thermometer in there, I really am not sure how cold it is.
This is our outside temps currently, but it is trending to warmer:

No..Seriously you will want them on pine shavings to cut back the smell. Definitely they won't be in your house till 4 to 6 weeks because they are so smelly and dirty. The quickest time is best Depending on your location.

I think you've convinced me to use the tote and fill it with shavings! I bought a "bale" of it today for $5. Clean = maintaining my sanity, and for $5, I can do that.

 

[MerryMeridional]

@chickens really Also plan on doing fermented feed, so hopefully that will cut back on the smell a little.

 

[chickens really]

Yes, I do. I need to put a thermometer in there, I really am not sure how cold it is.
This is our outside temps currently, but it is trending to warmer:
View attachment 1702115






I think you've convinced me to use the tote and fill it with shavings! I bought a "bale" of it today for $5. Clean = maintaining my sanity, and for $5, I can do that.

Definitely and proper water containers work best for Ducklings..Less spills. Ducklings only require the sleeping are of the Brooder heated. I use a 175 watt red head bulb in a safe lamp for livestock.