Taking care of ducklings is fairly easy. There are a few dangers to be aware of however.
Step 1
Keep ducklings in a warm and safe environment. A plastic tote or a glass aquarium works great for the first few weeks. Use a heat lamp with a 500 to 600 watt bulb. Adjust the height and wattage according to your ducklings behavior. If they seem warm and settled, not huddling under the lamp, they are probably warm enough. If they are scattered out, away from the lamp, they are too hot. DO NOT FEED YOUR DUCKS BREAD, CHIPS, POPCORN, ETC. this is because these items do not hold the required nutrients for proper care of your duck.only give ducklings thinly cut fruit and vegetabales as a treat NOT AS A MEAL. they need specialized duck food. Do not use medicated chick feed, ever. Use a plastic or galvanized feeder. Always provide clean, fresh drinking water. Use a shallow bowl to which you have added a few clean, small pebbles. This will prevent the ducklings from drowning.
Step 2
You can also put clean pebbles in a store bought waterer if it is too deep ducks need to be able to submerge their heads to clear their sinuses. Do not let them swim unattended. They must be able to get out of the water quickly. Ducklings can and will drown if they get too wet or too cold. When they are done swimming, dry them off gently and warm them up.
Step 3
Ducklings will eat on their own immediately. If you want, you can add water to their food to make it sort of a mush. You can add a small amount of sugar in their water for the first couple of days to help them get off to a good start and give them energy.
Step 4
Learn that ducklings should be fully feathered before allowing them to swim. Depending on the type of duck, full feathers should be in place by 9-12 weeks of age.
Step 5
Know that if you have other adult ducks in your pond/water source, be advised the older adult ducks can be fatal to your younger ducks. Older ducks may drown the younger ducks.
Tips
- After ducks are in the pond or water source, you may feed floating fish food or dog food in very small amounts. Switch their basic diet to a good quality unmedicated waterfowl or poultry ration, usually available at most feed stores.
- Generally, ducks will eat more during autumn and winter months, than in spring and summer months.
- As ducklings will eventually grow into full sized ducks, a large dog kennel should make a splendid pen for your waterfowl, but a shed with a latchable door is best in terms of room and space.
- Always put your ducklings in a safe cage at night, because they are very vulnerable to predators.
Warnings
- NEVER let your ducklings swim unattended, as they may drown!
- NEVER feed your ducklings medicated poultry feed!
- Bread is bad for them, and anything moldy can be FATAL.
- Always have clean water near food source, as ducks cannot swallow food properly without water.
- Ducklings IMPRINT on people immediately. They look to you as their mom. Be prepared to teach and train them, and to care for them properly.
- Ducklings are very social animals, so never get just one. They need at least one companion, but preferably three or four.
Things You'll Need
- Feeder
- Heavy and shallow water dish
- Hay or bedding, clean towels, etc. (Do not use cedar or plain newspaper) Use caution as they may ingest certain substances.
- Heat lamp
