Indoor ducklings how to keep them happy??

[jendarwin]

So my ducklings are always kept indoor.. they don't get a chance to go out and explore.. I find them always to themselves.. they eat well and sleep most of the time.. they don't play or mingle with me unless I carry them and pamper.. apart from this they bite few of my clothes and freak out when they see toys..
Is this behaviour alright?? Any suggestions to get them active and pictures of things they love to play with ??

 

[N F C]

I think the members over on the Duck forum would be able to answer your questions. I've only kept chickens myself.

 

[QuackSpeak]

Why can't the ducklings go outside? I mean, just short, supervised walks with you might perk them up a bit. Then they can run around, dig, dabble at the grass, find lots of yummy things outside...
As for things ducklings like to do - Swimmies! How old are your ducks? Depending on their age, you could probably adjust a couple of things, but ducks do love to swim. To start, put your ducklings in a shallow container filled with water - a plugged sink, bathtub, or any type of container really. Get them used to the water, and you can put fruit and veggies in the water for them to dabble at - lettuce, grapes (Cut up very small), etc. Make sure it's small enough for the ducklings to eat. Watch the ducklings - don't let them get too cold! They really enjoy swimming.

Umm, here are other things for them:
Unbreakable Mirror - This is fun; it makes it look like there are more duckies!
String - They may chase or bite at a string put above their heads. Don't let them eat the string.
Stuffed animals - Ducklings will cuddle up to a stuffed animal, and may even fall asleep on it! Use with caution, as the ducklings may poop on the fluffy toy.
Treats in water - Ducks and ducklings love to dabble in their water for their favorite treats. You can put almost anything in their water: Lettuce, grapes, cereal,
Toilet Paper Rolls - Ducklings will run and hide in cardboard rolls. Use with caution; if the roll is too small, your duckling could get stuck!
Toss toys - Made from amber prescription bottles with the child proof lids. Drill a couple of holes big enough for snacks or food bits to fall out, and fill with treats!
Feeder Fish - Bought at most local pet stores, these little guys can be dumped into a water-filled container and your ducks will probably love them. Some ducks don’t take to the fish, but most of the little guys go crazy!

Hope this helps! Sorry for the long post lol

 

[AimeeDx]

Hi, I would also probably say to sometimes supervise them outside. Also maybe take them swimming in the bathtub, when we had ducklings, they really enjoyed that!

 

[jendarwin]

I live I an apartment and I live in a place where the parks nearby are not animal friendly.. hardly one finds someone with pets..

 

[chickens really]

Please do not take this the wrong way.....Your current living situation will probably not workout for you or the Ducklings as they mature? I have never kept house Ducks.....They will get noisy and very messy......Hope you can figure out a solution that works for you?

Best of Luck


Cheers!

 

[jendarwin]

I felt something was missing and that's the reason I posted.. we will be shifting in few months.. by then they will be fine I guess..

 

[chickens really]

Just try your best to entertain them......


Best of luck!

 

[QuackSpeak]

Please do not take this the wrong way.....Your current living situation will probably not workout for you or the Ducklings as they mature? I have never kept house Ducks.....They will get noisy and very messy......Hope you can figure out a solution that works for you?

Best of Luck


Cheers!

Okay. So your ducks will be house ducks - how many do you have? Just curious. Do you have diapers for them? Diapers will reduce the mess, but you do have to change their diapers every...two hours, I think it was? Depends on the age of the duck and how much it's pooping. Also, are your ducks imprinted on you or each other?

Some people with indoor set ups have an indoor pen for their ducks. The ducks that can go into an indoor pen don't wear diapers when they're in their pen; they wear diapers only if they're outside of the pen. I think that the indoor pen would be easiest for you - it doesn't have to be anything fancy, just a place for the ducks. As for entertaining, just do your best. Ducks are very food motivated. You can even work on training them, like you would with dogs.
There is a thread for house ducks, it is: https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/632070/show-off-your-house-ducks
Many helpful people

 

[jendarwin]

Thank you so much.. in fact I was planning to make my own pen.. they are a month old now and I have two of them.. since I'm living in dubai it's hard to find duck diapers here.. I should get them online soon.. thanks for the link will definitely go through