Duckling Raising 101
Raising ducklings in a lot of ways is similar to raising chicks. But there are some important differences to be aware of.
Ducks are very different creatures to chickens, especially socially. It is very important when you begin your journey that you never have a solitary duckling/ or duck. Ducks are very social, and without companions can easily die of loneliness. Anyone that tells you otherwise, especially breeders, probably shouldn't be keeping these bubs.
Our first beautiful babies, from front to back; Smooch, Pippin, Moby (hiding), all muscovy ducklings and Quaxley.
Moby, a beautiful little Muscovy duckling. Be prepared to loose all your personal space with duckling raising, they bond and will love you.
Black barred, blue barred and bronze muscovies.
Just like chicks, ducklings need to be kept warm for the first little while. They will need a cool and a warm side so they can regulate their temperature. Keep an eye on their behaviours too, if they are huddled directly under the light or heat source, they may be too cold, away from the light and stretched out they may be too warm
They should be nice and loosely collected in the light 'beam'.
As time goes by, reduce the heat accordingly, in preparation for the outside world.
Food and water should be provided at all times. Pick a good quality duckling crumb (the protein levels are slightly different).
I preferred the duck and goose starter, the crumbs were a bit finer for younger ducklings, but both do well.
Also, make sure your water dish is not too deep whilst your babies are tiny, avoid getting them wet or soggy, they can get too cold and die. Too deep a bowl they can also get stuck and drown or get too cold.
Water is essential with ducks, and is required especially whilst they eat to avoid choking.
Ducklings are not water resistant like adult ducks, they don't have feathers yet, and haven't got their protective oil coating established, so keep this in mind, especially when introducing them to the outdoors.
When feeding your ducklings home scraps, DO NOT feed bread! I know it is seen in most movies, when people go down the the park and toss bread to the ducks. It is actually really bad for them, and can cause serious health problems. They do however really enjoy peas and corn, and they make great treats!
They also quite enjoy a bit of silverbeet.
Other foods to avoid include citrus, onions and I avoid meat, unless it's crickets, flies or mealworms.
Ducklings don't have sharp beaks like chickens, so scraps need to be cut appropriately otherwise they won't be able to eat them and you'll find a lot of rotting food and tiny flies being attracted to their brooder box.
Ducklings are really quite cuddly and enjoy a snuggle, just be cautious not to squish them as they are still fragile. Ensure they stay nice and warm too but don't cook them. Just like chicks, they will poop on you, they don't mean to, but they will. We've found it easier and cleaner to have little pouches or towels for tiny duckos whilst they enjoy their bonding time.
Happy snuggles!
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