When can my ducklings go for a swim?

[DaSouthernYankee]

I just got my 2 babies from a feed and supply store.. they told me they were 2 weeks old. Is there a way to know their age more accurately?

Anyhow I’m in southern Louisana and it’s hot and sunny so I’m not worried about them catching any chills but are they ready to swim?
I planned on installing a pond this weekend- aiming for something small. Maybe 3x5 and no more than two feet deep with a uv pump and filter. Is that too much for them at this age?

Also my yard is completely fenced and I would be supervising any outdoor time.

 

[Jpat]

Show us a picture and we will tell you a good idea of age, I let mine swim when they were 3 days old!

water little warmer than luke warm, and they could float even at 3 days.

I just use the bath tub or sink because it seams when there that young they only wanted 5 minuts or so then want to go back to the brooder to preen

And i think a 3x5 is a good size but their too young. Good size for supervised visits tho!

And i doubt a pump would keep up to their constant messing of the water, just change it ever 5 days

 

[Jpat]

I only say about warmer water because someone here seid their duckling would take a drink of cool water then convulse and die instantly

Like the cool shocked their bodys

 

[chickens really]

I always bath my Ducklings at around day 3 and my water comes directly from the tap. I never heard that myth myself? Domestic Ducklings are no different than wild Ducklings and the Momma takes them to cold water as soon as they leave the nest.

 

[cheezenkwackers]

I also start early (day 2) in a small dish pan and work to a larger pool. If they haven’t been swimming then their feathers will not be properly oiled and waterproof. The swimming stimulates their oil glands. In a few days they will love your bigger pool provided they can easily get in and out. This is a video of almost a week old ducklings I had last year.

 

[Miss Lydia]

Just make sure you have a nice warm place for them to finish drying once out of the warm water.

 

[DaSouthernYankee]

Show us a picture and we will tell you a good idea of age, I let mine swim when they were 3 days old!

water little warmer than luke warm, and they could float even at 3 days.

I just use the bath tub or sink because it seams when there that young they only wanted 5 minuts or so then want to go back to the brooder to preen

And i think a 3x5 is a good size but their too young. Good size for supervised visits tho!

And i doubt a pump would keep up to their constant messing of the water, just change it ever 5 days

I think I double posted my reply then deleted sorry if this is all wacky!! I’m gonna try and post a picture of them today!

 

[DaSouthernYankee]

I always bath my Ducklings at around day 3 and my water comes directly from the tap. I never heard that myth myself? Domestic Ducklings are no different than wild Ducklings and the Momma takes them to cold water as soon as they leave the nest.

It’s hard to remind myself they’d be doing this stuff in the wild!! I’m just so over protective of them haha! But I don’t think I’ll have a problem with cold water in southern Louisiana in my little pond! Haha

 

[DaSouthernYankee]

I also start early (day 2) in a small dish pan and work to a larger pool. If they haven’t been swimming then their feathers will not be properly oiled and waterproof. The swimming stimulates their oil glands. In a few days they will love your bigger pool provided they can easily get in and out. This is a video of almost a week old ducklings I had last year.

They have been in a Tupperware dish under supervision and seem to float and play with enthusiasm.. I guess o just wanted to make sure their weren’t any restrictions on me taking them outside to play and if they choose get in the pond

 

[DaSouthernYankee]

I also start early (day 2) in a small dish pan and work to a larger pool. If they haven’t been swimming then their feathers will not be properly oiled and waterproof. The swimming stimulates their oil glands. In a few days they will love your bigger pool provided they can easily get in and out. This is a video of almost a week old ducklings I had last year.

Omg I just got to watch your video! I’m melting!!!

And I just read your username... those are my babies names!! Cheese and Quackers! <3