Tips for Raising Ducklings?

[ShelterGirl]

This is my first time ever raising ducklings, since I have normally been a chicken person. I recently had to say goodbye to all my chickens though due to family problems and a big move. Now I have finally purchased my first two ducklings and I am curious as to what all I should know in raising them.

While I can go look this up on the internet, I do believe it is best to gain insight from all the members here. Everyone has been so wonderful and friendly (especially when I was gaining support for our rescued chickens) and I feel that I could learn alot more here.

For starters, they have not been sexed yet. I don't even know what breed they are! I got them from Tractor Supply =(

But, all I ask is maybe at least one tip from anyone who reads this and knows about raising ducklings. I want to build up all the knowledge I can!

So far Angel and Trouble (even though the genders aren't determined, the names match how they act!) are a joyous addition to my critter family.

Thank you for the help! <3

 

[Amiga]

Well, good morning and welcome to Duckdom!

Ducklings need warmth (but space to move to a slightly cooler spot when they wish), safety (from other pets, feet, falling, etc.), good food (best is waterfowl starter crumbles but chick starter okay - preferably nondedicated - with extra niacin added, such as brewer's yeast sprinkled on food), and water as clean as possible 24/7, no food without water! And they need to be able to frequently wash their little heads to avoid serious infections of eyes, sinuses, ears.

They grow FAST.

Search on water management (terms like "duckling brooder" or "duckling water" or "duckling mess.").

Speaking of mess, I need to dash so that my schedule will not become a mess today!

If you can get a copy of Storey's Guide to Raising Ducks, or The Ultimate Pet Duck Guidebook, that will help.

Enjoy, please post often, and when you can, upload some photo's for us to enjoy!!!

 

[Ilovemyduckies]

Keep in mind that ducklings are much messier than chicks. They love to try to play in their water. I just feed my ducklings chick starter. Please upload pics I might be able to help you with the breed too Good Luck.

 

[MamaDuck1]

My blog has a lot of info... Especially in the older posts when i had my cayuga... And helpfull links on the right. http://badduckpun.blogspot.com/

 

[ShelterGirl]

Yes, here are two pictures of my lovely ducklings! I have very well discovered how messy they can be, but I have the feeling they will be a wonderful addition to my animal family. =) Any other advice out there? Oh, and please comment with what you believe them to be. The lighter colored baby is Trouble. The darker one is Angel. <3

 

[Amiga]

There is a sticky on duck treats that I found helpful.

Ducklings often go through a phase at around 3 weeks of age in which they become terrified of people. With patience, treats, and trying to avoid looming over them, we get through this phase but it can take weeks. Ducks are usually quite friendly if raised to be that way. Did I mention treats?

They are sensitive to mold and fumes, and can turn their ankles and sprain their legs sometimes. Very young ducks sometimes eat shavings.

Oh, and those photo's you uploaded?

 

[ShelterGirl]

Thank you, Amiga! It was helpful to be told ahead of time about this "phase" so I don't freak out and get overly-worried when they begin to act funny! What do they enjoy for treats? (I do not know what in the mess a sticky is so, hah, sorry!)

And thak you for the love on their pictures <3 <3 <3 They are darlings! I tuckered them out by having them follow me around the yard a moment ago so they are so quiet! =)

 

[Amiga]

When it happened to me (the 3 week terrors) I was so very very disappointed and sad.

Duckyfromoz and a few others here helped me figure it out. Glad no one had a camera when I went into the brooder room making myself as short as possible. You can imagine!

So, here is the link to the stickies.

https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/256233/ducks-sticky-topics-index

 

[featherfriender]

Oh,no....3wk terrors! We got two duckling about a week ago....a two day old Khaki Campell&2wk old Mallard.... the mallard was so scared he made me cry...he has the little one spooked.The feed store had them in with grown chicken who pecked him. Now it may get even worse???? Poor thing....we try to sooth them but the older guy is still like a shell shocked soldier. Thanks for the heads up on the "normal" terrors about to compound things.

 

[Amiga]

Welcome, featherfriender, sad that the littles had a rough start. Do what you can, sing, offer treats, just sit near them as often as you can, and keep their environment as calm as you can.