Stupid Question About Swimming Ducklings

[alexkimoto12]

Hi everyone! we are getting some new Cayuga ducklings this Friday, and I have a question. Yes, I am aware that I am about to sound like an Idiot...
But here goes...

So, I know Human-raised ducklings have a harder time swimming because their fluff gets clogged up with water and it becomes too heavy for them and they drown. In the wild, their mothers provide the oil from their feathers from rubbing on them so it basically water-proofs them. I get that.
But, I had an Idea, an Idea I might lose my last bit of dignity to, but I'm curious.

Instead of natural duck oils, would it be possible to use an all natural vegetable oil or something? like just use a few drops and rub it into your hands, and then when you're petting and holding them, have some kinda rub off. Would it help the babies? Obviously, I wouldn't let them swim alone, maybe just in slightly deeper water? (with supervision!)


well, even if you can't help answer me, hopefully, it made you laugh a bit.

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

Please don't oil them. I know members that routinely let their ducklings swim in shallow warm water without problems. As long as they don't get chilled they do okay.

 

[Dawnclucks22]

Hi everyone! we are getting some new Cayuga ducklings this Friday, and I have a question. Yes, I am aware that I am about to sound like an Idiot...

If it makes you feel better, I know nothing about ducks and I honestly have no clue.

 

[Emmaxx]

And they look adorable under the hairdryer! (being careful not to let it get too hot of course)

 

[Soon2BChixMom]

Just make the water shallow so that their feet can touch and always let them swim while supervising. I used luke warm water and when they were younger they only got about 5-10 min. Now that they are 5 weeks, they get as much time as I have to give them.
I didn't use a hair dryer on mine, but made sure they were under the heat lamp when they finished and observed to make sure they weren't chilled.

 

[alexkimoto12]

Okay, sounds great! Sorry for the dumb question lol

I’ll make sure to use shallow warm water haha

 

[Hybridchucks]

Not a dumb question lol! We are all learning
Just make sure you dry them after a short swim, throughly and gently.

 

[alexkimoto12]

Not a dumb question lol! We are all learning
Just make sure you dry them after a short swim, throughly and gently.

Thank you! I will!

 

[gilbert2]

Good news for you: I always let my ducklings swim (in the sink) starting when they are only about 4-days old. THEY FLOAT. They also love to swim, often acting like submarines and swimming fast--underwater! I make the water just lukewarm, although in nature they go into some pretty cold lakes. PLEASE, no oil!!!!
After swimming, I simply hold them in a towel, and GENTLY squeeze. Most of the water comes right out. Then I just set them in their pen, making sure the heat lamp is facing on them. They preen themselves, and dry out in less than 10-minutes. No hairdryer needed.

 

[Emmaxx]

Oh but when one always pushed their way to the front to get in the airflow how could I refuse!