Raising my new call ducklings

[chickenwhisperer]

Hi, I have raised chickens for years, but have just hatched my first ducklings, three little calls (How cute are they?!?). I presently have my drake separated from mom and ducklings with a baby gate as a precautionary measure... Do I need to keep him separate, or ...?

Also, any first hand tips and advice on how to raise these little cuties would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks in advance for your help!

[ronnie413]

A little more descriptive info about where you are keeping them would first be helpful -- size of pen, etc.

[chickenwhisperer]

Thanks for your reply!

The 3 ducklings and mom are in a 4x6 house, insulated and draft free but not heated (mom seems to be managing that well!). I am in Victoria, British Columbia, and the weather is mild to warm, right now. I am using large wood shavings for bedding, as I read that there can be problems with them eating finer ones. There is an enclosed run, but I have baby gated them into the house for now. I was told to start them on non-medicated chick starter, so that's what I am doing, so far, with #1 grit and lots of shallow water dishes (messy little gaffers!).

They hatched on the 16th/ 17th and seem strong and healthy. I am wondering what else I should be doing for them, when it is safe for them to go "out" and "swimming", if it is safe to let "dad" in with them (he is very eager to get through the gate and see his mate!) etc..

Thanks again!

Jen

[chickenwhisperer]

Also, wanted to add that drake is in the run with a "sleeping shelter", so can see them but not go in with them. Separated him as a precaution, as he didn't seem to mind stepping on their little heads!

[Evy]

Please switch them to MEDICATED feed to prevent loosing them to coccidiosis & get rid of the grit. Only chickens need that.

[chickenwhisperer]

Okay. Thank you for the advice.

Heard that some of the medications in chick starter are not good for ducklings..? Also, was told by a duck "show man" to include the grit until they are on the ground..? Have never lost a chick to coccidia, as I change all waters/ clean feeders/ change shavings/ bedding daily, and use a homeopathic parasite preventative preparation in the waterers..

(This has worked for me for over a decade)

If I am not concerned about coccidiosis, are there other benefits or potential issues with the medicated chick starter?

Thanks again,

Jen

[luvmycalls]

hello there!! I would NOT switch to medicated feed. Being in Canada we probably get the same feed for our birds. I too keep everything clean 3 x's daily. Dont use medicated. I had many troubles with it in the beginning for my ducks. It's one of the reasons they make non-medicated. I let mine swim in a shallow basin at about 2 weeks of age. Also try not to get any water on their heads. I keep my babies separate until they are feathered, then they are reunited with the other ducks. They will get chased off and even pecked at at first but soon enough they will all get along. The reason I do things this way is because of trail and error. I have lost birds to stupid ways it could have been prevented. But you learn more each day. Good Luck!!

[Evy]

hello there!! I would NOT switch to medicated feed. Being in Canada we probably get the same feed for our birds. I too keep everything clean 3 x's daily. Dont use medicated. I had many troubles with it in the beginning for my ducks. It's one of the reasons they make non-medicated. I let mine swim in a shallow basin at about 2 weeks of age. Also try not to get any water on their heads. I keep my babies separate until they are feathered, then they are reunited with the other ducks. They will get chased off and even pecked at at first but soon enough they will all get along. The reason I do things this way is because of trail and error. I have lost birds to stupid ways it could have been prevented. But you learn more each day. Good Luck!!


All you have to do is read a label. It's not rocket science. The only medication they put in most chick starter is a coccidiostat & it'll say so. It's not an antibiotic.

Why don't you let a duckling get water on its head? That's the MOST IMPORTANT place they need to get wet. Unless they can immerse their heads above the eyes, chances for plugged sinuses & sticky eyes are a big problem. Watch a duck in the wild. She takes them to the water as soon as they dry! The only care that needs to be taken is that they can exit the water easily. They can tire & drown otherwise.

[azduckranch]

We let our ducklings swim supervised on their first day. They usually taste their first water then. Afterwards we put them under the warmth of the brooder to dry off. We even dunk their heads to clean their eyes and clean all the hatching fluids from their feathers. They look more at home swimming in the water than stumbling on the ground. We also use turkey and gamebird feed for the first 3-4 weeks. It has 18% protein, I believe. We have never lost a duckling yet in our short 6 months of doing so.

We have also found that a solo duckling does not like to swim. With multiples they learn tricks from each other. There always seems to be an adventurous one or a show off who leads the way.

[chickenwhisperer]

Thank you everyone for your advice!

My ducklings are doing really well, and went "swimming" for the first time yesterday (if you don't count their daily efforts to swim in the water bowls~!):wink:

Luvmycalls, what area of Canada are you in, and what colour calls do you raise? What about other members?

My drake is blue and my duck is white.. Hatched two whites and a blue.

I am enchanted with the little gaffers!! Can't believe how fast they grow, either!

Thanks again!

Jen

[chickenwhisperer]

Oops, see that you are in Ontario, Luvmycalls.. I am coming in August to visit family (Hamilton, Windsor, Toronto stops).. Are there any shows that you know of during August, or is it too early there?

Thanks!