Raising Ducklings - The clean and easy setup to raise ducklings in the brooder

How to raise ducklings and ducks the clean, easy and efficient way on the homestead!
I used to be anti-duck, because of the mess the ducklings made during the brooding phase.
After many years of trial, error, and scouring the internet for better solutions, we have an efficient, clean and easy brooding setup for ducklings.
Ducks are hardier than other fowl, make great meat and egg production animals on the farm, and can be a great addition to any homestead. However brooding ducklings can be a challenge.
In this video, we share with you how to keep ducklings during the brooding stage the neat and clean way.
Equipment Used in our Brooder Setup (Affiliate links):
Affiliate links cost you NOTHING extra and help support our show
Nest Cam (affiliate link) - amzn.to/2lMXbpO
Nest Cam (Don't want to support the show? Here is a Non Affiliate Link) - goo.gl/WVmYfH
Nest Cam 3 Pack - amzn.to/2npjGxt
Nest Cam Outdoor Version - amzn.to/2lMQRPj
Plastic Totes for Brooders (case of 3) - amzn.to/2muraQh
Screw-In Hooks for Hanging (12 Piece) - amzn.to/2mursql
Ratchet Straps (single) - amzn.to/2npgJNn
Ratchet Straps (Set of 10) - amzn.to/2mumrya
Prima Heat Lamp - amzn.to/2GbHNwJ
Ball Jar Feeder Attachment - amzn.to/2lMNgk1
12 inch Ground Feeder (for ducks water)-amzn.to/2lN2K7A
Farmer Brad Mighty Micro Waterer - amzn.to/2lMS3lo
Paint Tray (for Water Catch) - amzn.to/2muyQlJ
Metal Paint Grid (Grate) - amzn.to/2mujm19

[@Geeoooo101]

I completely copied you, and it works perfectly! First time bird owner. Thank you for your help! I know I can always count on the KZbin family!

[@peachesjackofski8363]

eric guilliod I’m about to do this with my daughter for the first time, our eggs are on the way just now. Some people are saying you should take duck eggs out the incubator to cool, once a day? Did u do this?

[@annagalvin3897]

Peaches Jackofski what did you end up doing

[@sofiashrimp8672]

Peaches Jackofski Yes you must spray them. I’m a little too late but others can see

[@rolol]

Is it expensive? I was wondering. I would quite like to buy ducklings. I only want a couple. If you have any advice please tell me :)

[@TheHarrip]

My cat just brought a duckling in but it's not injured what do I do? Please.

[@luxecandy3150]

I raised some ducklings and when they grew up, I put them in my backyard lake. To this day, all four ducklings still visit us! Without these types of videos, I wouldn’t have ever started the duckling raising project! Thank you!!

[@arielsmith9674]

Awww this made my day

[@Venomous-yp8rc]

Please don't ever release domestic animals into the wild..🤦

[@TheShopaholicLADY]

Interesting that the next KZbin recommendation is "How to butcher Ducks". Geez KZbin! Thanks for the tips!

[@colbyhollis2694]

TheShopaholicLADY Omg yeah same

[@giotag1819]

If you don't like to see how animals are butchered, maybe you should stop eating them...

[@patdawkins6785]

TheShopaholicLADY I want ducks for eggs. Cooked duck taste like crap. They are pets.

[@lalewin699]

@@patdawkins6785 maybe pets for you, but not for everyone

[@Threehundredandsixtyeight]

That’s your cookies fam

[@blossomedtrees8520]

You have a wonderful speaking voice.

[@slumberpartybard6355]

@Mclovin holy shit it’s mclovin

[@cineologyvideoandmultimedi1663]

This is great. My wife and I were looking for ducks for egg production and eggs at our suburb home and the information I was getting on how to do this was all over the place. This was so damn simple and easy to understand I feel way more comfortable now handling this. Thanks a ton!

[@christinariggs896]

This is by far THE BEST video I have seen on keeping the brooder cleaner with ducks!! Thank you for sharing! I will be trying the water idea. I use a heat plate. They are safer for a lot of set-ups & work great, I know this video is 7yrs old and I am not even sure how available or used they were at that time.

[@willbrock1275]

My friend. I've never commented on a video in my life. I absolutely love your straight to the point educational swing. I'm going to try to convince the boss(my wife) that we need ducks on our homestead. Thank you, beloved. This video is a home run.

[@austinharvey1215]

I'm sorry but I died when he was talking about Ratchet Straps

[@shawnlowder9810]

I hang very small chain and Move an S hook up or down as needed. Hang light on S hook

[@mrsmariannapierre]

Thank you guys for the info. Hubby just came home with 4 ducklings today and I needed this information. We've never had ducks before so this video really helps to know what we are in for. Much appreciated!

[@carleymagyar843]

Did you end up using this setup? We are about to get a few ducklings and already have a few 16 gallon tubs so wasn’t sure we needed the 50 gallon since we will only have 2 or 3. Thanks!

[@philconey11]

The time lapse makes it look like you're just absolutely YEETing the ducklings.

[@dianereinhart9712]

You did a Great Job on this Video! Yur son, cute smiling at the camera while u were explaining..👍

[@shannonhaynes5934]

I dont even plan on getting ducks. Like i live in an apartment but I watched the whole video.

[@maryronan9758]

You are awesome 💕

[@scoobkyk0s817]

I got two ducks and I live in a one bedroom 2 kids and a pitbull

[@lisasnow444]

Hiya 🙋‍♀ I'm looking into raising ducks for their eggs and I found your video very helpful. I appreciate how you approached it with a cost effective way of keeping them safe & warm with fresh clean water. A lot of the other videos made it seem as though ducks were constantly dirty, messy and stinky, which makes one shy away from raising them. Thank you! Future duck mama 🦆

[@muskypro4349]

I love how at 4:45 in the video the duckling peeks his head up and is like "What's up guys?" and then goes back down.

[@erino458]

I wish I had watched this video two months ago! This was officially my last stinky, mucky, super gross duck brooding season (we only had one with our chicks and still had to change the trough every day.) Next year we are adopting this system and finding new uses for our large metal Tractor Supply trough and clip-on exposed light bulb. Thanks for the excellent info!

[@Homesteadyshow]

You will not regret it!

[@neilgelinas9926]

I just got my trough. Unfortunately after almost burning down the house with the heat lamp falling and killing 11 of my 12 ducklings. But I did not wast money. That trough will be used for a mini cow in the future. I restarted and am learning very quickly.

[@helinbakr8363]

@@neilgelinas9926 çok üzücü

[@ginapost2182]

Subscribed right NOW because of this video!!!! I have been going back and forth on getting ducklings next month when I get my chicks. I think this set up is genius!!!! I think this will be perfect for raising chicks and ducklings together!

[@Homesteadyshow]

+Gina Post let us know how it goes!

[@Lore-wv5mt]

Thanks man a lady is giving away 2 ducks thinking of getting them. They are free!...just wanted to see what I'm getting into.

[@patty.t2018]

Izuku Midoriyia

[@neutral_lighting1873]

anthony 35 so did you get them?

[@Ari-rf9bu]

anthony 35 dang it’s been 2 years.. hopefully u got em!

[@bonbin6053]

anthony 35 the vid is called “Raising ducks- clean and easy set up” idk if you just couldn’t find the video or you ain’t on KZbin no more but... we want update :(

[@isambo400]

They ain’t ducklings anymore

[@leynabarnes9054]

I once found a goose egg in my yard. Did so many duck and goose reasearching, I basically wasted my time and heating pad over an infertile egg. Then one day a duck came to my yard, I fed her, gave her water, and she kept coming back, one day with her ‘mate’. So I tried to get her in my backyard for some more food, but they left and I see her around. ❤

[@candicechristensen1753]

Shared on Facebook. Good video. I didn't use cool tricks when we had a brooder full of 16 ducklings who all lived and grew quickly. I just foolishly cleaned that stupid box three times a day! Never again 😅😅

[@Homesteadyshow]

+Candice Christensen don't worry. That's what we did the first year as well. And then we swore them off forever...and now we have thirteen.

[@Taleux]

Thanks for this video. Really helped. My grandpa found a duckling yesterday without its mom and decided to take care of it until it’s old enough to go out on its own.

[@SqueezyQueen]

By far the best easiest straight forward intro to brooding ducklings on the internet. Thank you I've had to learn most through trial and error and u answers a lot of my questions

[@Tori_pearls]

I hope this is very helpful because me and my family might be getting ducklings very soon!

[@uvkjc]

Thank you so much for the painters tray water trick. Completely turned around my duck brooder from a disgusting swamp into a comfy home for them to grow for a few more weeks

[@jamesreimer9560]

I have used rusted out metal stock tanks for brooders. Free, because they can't hold water anymore. I also use baling wire from the straw and feed bales I use on the farm to hang up lights and feeders. I enjoy your videos! Always good to hear how others do things on the farm!

[@SonyaThornsley]

By far this is one of the best videos I have watched trying to learn how to take care of my ducklings. My husband surprised me for our anniversary got me ducklings completely unprepared absolutely nothing five weeks ago. Sadly I lost two of the four ducklings. Two were still going strong there about six weeks old. I started doing research trying to find anything they are past this phase boy do I wish I would’ve saw this earlier. You were straight to the point clear informative and actually showing how and why you do this method. I’m gonna go find your channel and follow so that I can keep up with the ducklings.

[@kayleighwebb-sanchez2829]

This helps so much thank you we recently rescued 10 ducks from the freeway unfortunately the mother and seven of them didn’t make it.... but we’re taking care of the other seven!

[@donnamaxwell3376]

Ive made you famous on the duck forums on FB now i set what you did up in my home the BOMB your awesome thank you for the hard work and research to make us duck peeps learn something worth watching!

[@donnamaxwell3376]

in the house now though i did not use the light i have an elevated heat plate brooder for them to go under so no chance of fire in the house. Thank you again you need to post lots more of your wonderful tips Its now shared all over the forums. Your awesome!

[@bushcraft2012]

Great video and very nice set-up. Been thinking about adding ducks to my homestead. That set-up just might be the way to go. Thanks for sharing.

[@sicilyvelasco4301]

Wow!! Congrats on 20k!!! You guys definitely deserve it, you have worked so hard to get here! Wish I had seen this video earlier, I just raised a batch of ducklings in a brooder, and they stunk like, it was unbelievable. Keep up the good work!!

[@kellbob]

"Ratchet it up" sounds like my life 😂

[@Datsun7705]

5:13 they’re happy that you’re taking super amazing care of them

[@rachelleo485]

Great intro to brooding ducklings, thank you for sharing your cumulative experience with us! I used most of your amazon purchase links, hope that helps support you!

[@wm-fm1ts]

This is such a good idea! I raised 6 ducks this year and they were *so* messy as babies, but I really love them as adults (they are much friendlier and more confident than my chickens! Plus they are doing much better in the cold weather than the chickens are. The chickens stay in their coop and only come out for food, while the ducks seem to enjoy the 7" of snow we've already gotten). I'm definitely getting more ducks next year, and am happy to find a good way to keep them cleaner!

[@smithmal01]

Excellent video. Thank you so much for breaking down how you set up your brooder and the product links above. I agree... Duck Chronicles is the bomb!

[@AshleighHarris13]

totally agree! we have the same with roller wheels on the bottom and it's been so easy breezy!

[@jamierieg4490]

Great ideas! I wish I had seen this video a few months ago. Our ducklings were a ton of work because they got water everywhere.

[@classicrockguitar8084]

Thank you so much for this video! Raising chicks last year was a hassle at times but this setup simplifies a lot of the things that bothered us. Getting a flock of 4 ducks and 3 chickens in a few weeks, going to give this method a try!!

[@Dominic-ct9oe]

I'm happy I sub to your channel, when I was little we had a small farm until my parents split and it all ended basically due to that. I have a son and I want him to enjoy it like I did for good so this is actually helping me know better ways and soon for him too, so I'm thankful for you for making these videos I mean it. Can't wait to get started this month with everything!!

[@nedraanderson2816]

Thank you for this. I’ll have ducks for the first time next month. Got chickens last year so new adventures coming here soon

[@bigsky445]

This guy is amazing! getting ducks in a couple months. Thank you for this video! subscribed!! keep up the great info!! Your helping people care for their ducks in a healthy way! THANK YOU!! -Jesus loves you!

[@Homesteadyshow]

+Montana Fishing thanks for watching and subscribing!

[@pamelatobias479]

Brooding ducklings now. Awesome ideas. I will be changing somethings tomorrow! Thanks

[@702goodguy8]

Great idea! I know already that I'll be using this method to brood my fowl chicks. Thanks for sharing this cool idea!!

[@geneviecoleman2512]

I’m all set up for brooding and my ducklings are starting to peck at the shell 🥰here soon I’ll have two baby ducklings 🐣🐣 thank you for this video, such and amazing idea, clean and cheap. 🥰 I wish I could add a picture of our set up.

[@TheMons26]

I love the speaking style in your old videos.

[@jeffrehder4443]

Thanks for the tips I have made the water tray and it works great. I look forward to learning more.thanks again

[@erism.4800]

The straps are genius!!!!!! I plan on doing a lot of brooding this year (Cornish crosses, new layers, meat ducks, quail) I think I'll invest in a couple of those heat lamps and use the straps to keep them secure.

[@rounman5583]

Thank you for this awesome and most helpful video. I’m super excited to raising ducklings on my own in the near future!

[@jackmercer4803]

Hey man if you go to your local hydroponic shop they have these ratchet light hangers which will easily hold those lights but you won’t have the slack to deal with they are very good and not expensive all the best to you

[@tiffanybell9570]

Hello this was an awesome video. I'm in Zimbabwe just got my first ducklings will use all your tips ... I'm Tiffany...

[@aayushsuwal2526]

Duck, Chicken, Parrot, and Pigeon are my Best Favourite Pet,s Bird,s. Since in Childhood and alway,s. 👌👌👍👍♥

[@dionneblanchard4075]

Just got 10 khaki campbells a week now. And yes they are messy LOL. So some of your tips will be put into place now and really put into place later when we go further and hatch our on. Thanks for the tips!

[@ellenmerrell3976]

Glad you got the tub and strap at dumpster of America

[@lukeseverson21]

Awesome video thanks for the tips. Had chickens for years but this year wife and kids wanted to try ducks too. thanks this was super helpful!!!

[@mariae6942]

Newly subscribed!!!!! I love this video, so very informative and I must say that your method is the best I have seen for brooding the chicks/ducklings. Fantastic. I will follow this method when we get our Khaki Campbell ducklings next spring. Great tutorial!!!! Thank you very much!!!!! 👍

[@williamebert6759]

Excellently made video!!!!! you should be proud of this one. I am subscribing because in this video you gave tons of practical information for those of us who don't know anything about the subject. You also gave links for everything you talked about, down to the hooks! that makes it easy for us beginners to duplicate your system. I am impressed that you even gave us a choice of duplicating your setup without supporting the channel! That shows character. that also shows me that you are more concerned with teaching your subject than making money. This kind of program shows me that you truly care about your topic and your viewers. Well done!!!!!

[@lovlimeg]

Thanks for the help.. the paint trays did help. I was so frustrated with the mess and constant cleaning. 😫 I had to help my chick and ducks to a show and tell at school. My students are so excited. But, I need to come up with a way to keep it keep and less stinky while it's hanging at the school.

[@TsetsiStoyanova]

I love ducklings

[@merciless5407]

Tsetsi I got one today

[@douglasstubbs595]

oooh you think your sooo hot well your not and this is coming from a 9 year old girl Tsetsi

[@DanTheThug]

@@douglasstubbs595 stfu

[@maribart4237]

@@douglasstubbs595 damn, you took this comment personally 😂

[@hiccupandcheese]

@@douglasstubbs595 bro she just said she loves ducklings-

[@DanWebster]

This is a nice informative video, appreciate you taking the time to show us your method I know nothing about ducks now I am enlightened! thanks for sharing.

[@DanWebster]

what is the nestcam link to see the ducks?

[@claychiversii2222]

I am trying this now. Just finding you guys. I used an XL paint pan. 10 chicks and 5 ducks in a 42" dog crate for the moment. Love your videos.

[@notgonnatripagain4694]

OUTSTANDING Sir!!~ Thank you for all of this fantastic start up information!

[@chadsshow2010]

Howzit Austin. Thanks for sharing Chadsshow here. Saw this live as you were filming. Aloha Everyone from Chadsshow.

[@mrsgbee8246]

Excellent video, shared and subscribed. Thank you. Really nice setup.

[@Dystonee]

We've been subscribed to you for a long time and had never seen this video! Where were you when I got the nasty ducklings 🤮 I'm so glad I saw this I'm gonna definitely try this.

[@RENETTE2525]

Thank you for your great & wonderful ideas. I'm going redo my systems . Thank you again for your video

[@autumnblair3217]

Thank you just did the paint pan tricj.

[@soapsoilandsunshine3241]

Love it. Chasing 10K subscribers. It's now 145K. Great stuff.

[@pancakeinacloset573]

Oh thank you I just adopted baby ducks today 🙏🏻🦆🦆🦆

[@tracyadams8292]

Excellent information. Got some Indian Runners hatching soon. Thanks a lot!!

[@FlashySolution]

Awww the ducks are just adorable🥺

[@sarcasmo57]

Gotta love ducklings

[@colleenrodamer6230]

So great of a set up thanks for sharing

[@barbaracerbo1200]

Very informative, helpful video. Keep posting these great ideas. It helped me!!!!

[@misfitsa2826]

I love ducks.

[@RebeccaBellyDance]

I loved this! Thank you. So helpful!

[@freakygeaktwo]

I liked the blooper at the end so much I shared the video :D nice set up and i've watched the duckling cam once or twice but they was sleeping at three am :D Nice of the viewers to let you know of possible dangers thanks for sharing

[@Homesteadyshow]

+freakygeaktwo I haven't watched at three am yet 😂 glad to know they're not getting into too much trouble

[@seandonaghue]

Love the video very informative. I have 9 ducks. about to have 20 more in a couple days. 🤯😍

[@denisdooley1540]

I use link chain to suspend my heat lamps and I use a metal clip (like for a dog leash). It's as adjustable as it it needs to be and it won't melt if it comes in prolonged contact with the heat lamp.

[@jennyluvv]

This video was VERY helpful thank you!!

[@beautytrendz101]

Thank you for the tips. Subscribed. I'm new to raising my ducks. I definitely will be getting that paint tray set up for the water. They are so messy in the bruder😄

[@dillpickle1970]

This is useful but me and my family are broke so I'll have to put it on my bucket list

[@litingliu3856]

I have a duckling and it is brand new!thank you so much!!!!

[@deniserancour635]

I got a hard lesson today about ducklings and water. The ones I got were being raised outside with their mom. I put mom and her ducklings in a closed in pen and put a square tub inside half-filled with water. The ducks loved swimming in it, but the sides of the tub were too high to jump out. In the morning I found 4 dead, and one barely hanging on that did live on. I added 4 bottles that were 8 oz. filled with tap water to the bottom. Now they can have a few inches of water, but still able to hop out to be with mama.

[@candicechristensen1753]

we make a chain with zip ties to hang out heat lamps 😉

[@Homesteadyshow]

+Candice Christensen zip ties are very crucial to a good homestead 🤣

[@roblena7977]

Dude, thanks this video has been extremely helpful.

[@ArcherQueen-uk4rw]

Dude you are sooo helpful!!! Thank you for this video I enjoy watching you!

[@jeaninesims1211]

Great set up, thx for sharing ur ideas!

[@REDCLAYHOMESTEAD]

Pretty neat video. I have not seen the paint pan used we actually usually cut a milk just of plastic containers so they can get there head all the way in but not their bodies, but we still have to put it in or on something to catch the excess water.

[@kumara5492]

That was really helpful. Thanks for sharing the information.

[@masonk.wilson538]

I love ducks lol. Finnally got some this year. They are now out of the brooder but watching incase I go back to get more lol.

[@wassanajones8963]

I love this idea so much!!

[@wassanajones8963]

Thank you so much for showing us!!

[@tinabrenner6656]

Just joined your channel. That paint pan is a great idea even for chics. Thanks for sharing.

[@iamnickeubanks]

Hey! Thanks for the video. This was helpful

[@SosutKhalily]

nice way of explaining.. I didn't feel of the length of the video because it was all interesting. and I subscribed because of the "chirp chirp chirp" of the boy 😍

[@dianavoronina1093]

this is perfect for new owners!!!!!! LOVE IT

[@lesliekendall2206]

There's nothing like having a linty M & M for your best pal. 😊

[@909busa]

I got a great idea that piggybacks your idea with the ratchets... that yellow plastic chain they sell at home Depot then you can go up or down a link easily.

[@alexandriaschaefer3352]

Thank you!!! This will be a life saver! Our ducks are stinky right now 😂😂🤢🤢

[@omertezel2259]

Very nice video. Keep going. I enjoyed it.

[@iwantosavemoney]

nice system i really like it thanks for sharing

[@denisdooley1540]

That was a nice looking heat lamp, but the link is dead now (a little over two years from publishing). That's a great idea for the water. I already have some of those chick feeders and I'd had the paint thing to let them go for supervised swims. I just need the screen.