7 Must Knows Before Getting Ducks

    

Getting ducklings can be an exciting and rewarding experience! Here’s a guide I've used on my own flock to help you get started and ensure you have all the basic essentials:

1. Preparing for Ducklings

• Research: Learn about the specific breed of ducklings you want to get. Different breeds have different needs and characteristics. I would not recommend getting meat birds such as Pekins if you are planning on keeping them as pets; The thought process behind this is that Pekins grow a lot faster than their body can handle and almost always result in leg problems. In my honest opinion, I would stay away from the Pekin breed to prevent heartache and pain in the future.
• Local Regulations: Check local laws and regulations regarding keeping ducks in your area. 

2. Setting Up a Brooder

• Brooder Box: A large, secure box or container to keep the ducklings warm and safe. It should be spacious enough for them to move around. I recommend a 100 gallon water trough, raised garden bin, spare bathtub, or puppy playpen. Make sure they are kept away from any pets and elements; If this is not possible try using a piece of plywood or something heavy to cover them to ensure nothing gets in.
• Heat Source: Ducklings need warmth. Use a heat lamp or brooder heater to maintain a temperature of about 90°F (32°C) for the first week, gradually decreasing by 5°F each week. Allow them an area to get away from the heat if it becomes too hot. It is ideal to keep the heater at least 2 feet above them at all times to prevent this from happening.
• Bedding: Use absorbent bedding like straw, wood shavings, or paper towels. Avoid cedar shavings as they can be harmful. If using a bath tub, use trash bags or some type of liner to prevent bedding from clogging your drains.
• Waterer: Ducklings need access to clean, fresh water at all times. Use a shallow waterer to prevent drowning. Ducklings are not waterproof at this stage yet and can become waterlogged and drown! I recommend automatic waterer cups attached to a 5 gallon bucket, barrel, or standard reversible waterer. You will have to fill the reversible waterer often if you choose this method as ducks can drink up to 1 liter of water each day!
• Feeder: Provide a feeder with a balanced starter feed specifically formulated for ducklings.

3. Feeding and Watering

• Starter Feed: Use a high-quality, non-medicated starter feed for the first few weeks. Ducklings need more niacin than chicks, so you might need to supplement with brewer’s yeast.
• Water: Ensure they have access to clean water at all times. Ducklings love to splash, so be prepared for some mess!

4. Health and Hygiene

• Cleanliness: Keep the brooder clean and dry. Change the bedding regularly to prevent mold and bacteria growth.
• Observation: Monitor the ducklings for any signs of illness or distress. Healthy ducklings are active and alert.

5. Transitioning Outdoors

• Outdoor Space: Once they are fully feathered (around 6-8 weeks), they can be moved to an outdoor pen or coop.
• Protection: Ensure the outdoor area is secure from predators and has shelter from the elements.
• Swimming: Provide a shallow pool or pond for them to swim in. Ducklings love water, but make sure they can easily get in and out.

6. Socialization and Care

• Handling: Handle the ducklings gently and frequently to socialize them. This helps them get used to human interaction.
• Companionship: Ducks are social animals, so it’s best to have more than one duckling to keep them company.

7. Long-Term Care

• Diet: Transition to a grower feed as they mature, and eventually to a maintenance feed for adult ducks.
• Housing: Provide a safe, clean, and spacious living environment with access to water and foraging areas.

By following these steps, you’ll be well-prepared to raise healthy and happy ducklings. Enjoy your new feathered friends! 🦆

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Works Cited:

Common Duck Diseases: Overview, Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Prevention. (n.d.). https://bdvets.com/blog/common-duck-diseases:-overview,-symptoms,-diagnosis,-and-prevention#:~:text=Signs%20and%20Symptoms%3A%20-%20Sudden%20death%2C%20particularly%20in,appetite.%20-%20Greenish%20diarrhea.%20-%20Reduced%20growth%20rate.

Hernandez, K. (2024, March 2). Caring for Baby Ducks: 14 Things You Need to Know. Bird Helpful. https://birdhelpful.com/caring-for-baby-ducks/#:~:text=Things%20You%20Need%20to%20Know%20About%20Caring%20for,ducks%20love%20to%20forage%20outdoors%20. . .%20More%20items

Duck Coop and Run Size Calculator. (2023, April 22). Raising Ducks. https://www.raising-ducks.com/duck-coop-size-calculator/#:~:text=In%20a%20nighttime-only%20coop%2C%20each%20duck%20needs%20a,With%20these%20numbers%2C%20you%E2%80%99ll%20need%20to%20clean%20often.