Raising ducklings

[Thing1]

I definitely will! Can't wait to get them!

 

[CHlCKEN]

Hello i'm gonna be a new duck mom soon and I just wanted to get on here for as much support as I can get. I'm getting a couple of Pekin ducks and I do have a few questions. First I wanted to know that since apparently everything I've read tells me to feed the ducklings equally 5 times a day, is this true? And if so should I feed them during the night or the daytime only?

You leave food out at all times (I’m sure someone else has already said so, I just haven’t sifted through other replies.) Plus it is important to offer a supplement of Niacin, usually that’s something like brewers yeast. Go ahead and look into the importance of it and make sure you understand when/how long to feed it for as well as how much is safe.

Secondly, what are some of the best duckling starter feeds that you know that are a bit on the cheaper side?

Mine have always been on Purina’s duck feed. There should be a non medicated crumble available for ducklings.

How big should the brooder be for 2 ducklings?

I recommend getting 3 ducklings because in the event that one dies, you do not want one to be left by itself. But in regard to brooder size, for the first week or two a large tote is pretty good. I usually ‘upgrade’ to a large dog crate or kiddie pool when they are big enough and move them outside sooner than I would with chickens just because they get so big so fast.

If I want to feed them some grass as another source of niacin can I just pick it from outside my home? We don't use pesticides or anything.

You may honestly just bring them outside. I set up a doggy playpen and sit in the shade with them while they explore around me. I take mine out within their first week at which point I usually start letting them swim (supervised) in waters too deep to stand in.

Ok I think that's the last question. I might have more moving forward but for now that's it. Quick replies would be really appreciated but also any replies would be really appreciated. Thank youuu!

Hope I could help!

 

[Thing1]

You leave food out at all times (I’m sure someone else has already said so, I just haven’t sifted through other replies.) Plus it is important to offer a supplement of Niacin, usually that’s something like brewers yeast. Go ahead and look into the importance of it and make sure you understand when/how long to feed it for as well as how much is safe.

Some people here said that Mazuri waterfowl starter has enough Niacin for baby ducklings, but me being really protective and nervous I don't know if thats true.

Mine have always been on Purina’s duck feed. There should be a non medicated crumble available for ducklings.

All right thank you, I've seen some good reviews for Purina.

I recommend getting 3 ducklings because in the event that one dies, you do not want one to be left by itself. But in regard to brooder size, for the first week or two a large tote is pretty good. I usually ‘upgrade’ to a large dog crate or kiddie pool when they are big enough and move them outside sooner than I would with chickens just because they get so big so fast.

Ok thank you, unfortunately since I live with my parents still it will be hard to convince them to let me get yet another duck, cause convincing them for 2 ducklings was already hard

You may honestly just bring them outside. I set up a doggy playpen and sit in the shade with them while they explore around me. I take mine out within their first week at which point I usually start letting them swim (supervised) in waters too deep to stand in.

Trust me I would love to and I definitely will when their feathers are fully formed, but since winter is arriving and in Mass it gets pretty cold I don't think I'd want to risk it. Thank you for the help though.

 

[KathiQuacks]

Some people here said that Mazuri waterfowl starter has enough Niacin for baby ducklings, but me being really protective and nervous I don't know if thats true.

Mazuri is a top tier feed, I can assure you. If it helps, I’ve given nothing but Mazuri to my geese, and my geese have ended up happy and healthy. Geese require a lottt more niacin than ducks, so if Mazuri has enough for my geese, it will definitely have enough for your ducks!

I do give Purina to my medium sized ducks, and while it works for them, I can tell it’s not as high-quality as Mazuri, and I wouldn’t be surprised if big breeds like Pekins needed a niacin supplement with it.

 

[Quatie]

Some people here said that Mazuri waterfowl starter has enough Niacin for baby ducklings, but me being really protective and nervous I don't know if thats true.

It definitely has plenty of niacin. But if you are worried you can always add brewers or nutritional yeast to the feed, or add niacin to the water. I often add rooster booster poultry cell to their as a general vitamin boost. And there is virtually no risk of overdosing with niacin, because they expel the excess in their droppings. So you won't do any harm adding extra if you choose to.

 

[CHlCKEN]

Some people here said that Mazuri waterfowl starter has enough Niacin for baby ducklings, but me being really protective and nervous I don't know if thats true.

I’ve never heard of that brand- don’t think they sell it in my stores, but from what I’m seeing in the other replies, it sounds pretty good.

All right thank you, I've seen some good reviews for Purina.

Purina might be cheaper but I’m not able to find the price online for a 50lb bag and I don’t remember off the top of my head.

Ok thank you, unfortunately since I live with my parents still it will be hard to convince them to let me get yet another duck, cause convincing them for 2 ducklings was already hard

If you explain the importance it may work out. If you lose one duck out of two, you’ll end up having to order two more since they only ship in pair minimums. Then you’ll just end up with three anyway.

Trust me I would love to and I definitely will when their feathers are fully formed, but since winter is arriving and in Mass it gets pretty cold I don't think I'd want to risk it. Thank you for the help though.

Wasn’t sure of your climate- kinda forgot it’s already almost winter considering how it’s still unforgivingly warm here. Bring them out as early as you can but not until it’s probably safer. If you have a radiant heater or a heat lamp you could take that outside with you too.

 

[Thing1]

Mazuri is a top tier feed, I can assure you. If it helps, I’ve given nothing but Mazuri to my geese, and my geese have ended up happy and healthy. Geese require a lottt more niacin than ducks, so if Mazuri has enough for my geese, it will definitely have enough for your ducks!

I do give Purina to my medium sized ducks, and while it works for them, I can tell it’s not as high-quality as Mazuri, and I wouldn’t be surprised if big breeds like Pekins needed a niacin supplement with it.

Alright that does help thank you.

 

[Thing1]

It definitely has plenty of niacin. But if you are worried you can always add brewers or nutritional yeast to the feed, or add niacin to the water. I often add rooster booster poultry cell to their as a general vitamin boost. And there is virtually no risk of overdosing with niacin, because they expel the excess in their droppings. So you won't do any harm adding extra if you choose to.

That’s good to know thanks.

 

[Thing1]

Purina might be cheaper but I’m not able to find the price online for a 50lb bag and I don’t remember off the top of my head.

Its ok I'll find it thank you though.

If you explain the importance it may work out. If you lose one duck out of two, you’ll end up having to order two more since they only ship in pair minimums. Then you’ll just end up with three anyway.

Yeah that makes the most sense, thanks. I'll definitely try.

Wasn’t sure of your climate- kinda forgot it’s already almost winter considering how it’s still unforgivingly warm here. Bring them out as early as you can but not until it’s probably safer. If you have a radiant heater or a heat lamp you could take that outside with you too.

Yeah haha it's ok. I do have a heat lamp so I will try and get them out as soon as possible.

 

[Thing1]

I can understand that feeling.

And you will need to come back and show off some cute duckling photos when you get them.

They arrived today! They are adorable and I love them already. Here are some pics of them and the brooder I’ve set up. Please tell me if I need anything else. Also they aren’t eating yet and I know it’s because they just got here but how long does it take for them to get somewhat comfortable and start eating and drinking?