The Beginner's Guide To Raising Ducklings (Days 1-14)

Welcome friends! This is the beginner's guide to raising ducklings, the first 2 weeks after you receive them to be exact. I am by far, not an expert on raising ducks. This is just a video on what we do, what works for us, and how we do it! I hope you enjoy, and feel free to ask any questions! Cheers to all the duck lovin folk, ready to grow their flock! please subscribe, share, and hit the bell for notifications! we appreciate y'all so much!

[@truthhurts9087]

For watering baby ducks ive found the best water system that serves all needs of a duck...is a gallon size ice-cream container with a lid and holes about 2 inches in diameter cut out of the sides about 5 total holes about 3 inches from bottom of the jug...they can get their heads into the water..dip their heads under. Bc ducks need to clear their nose and wash eyes with each drink otherwise u run the risk of them getting crusted up and blocked

[@DixieBlueEyes]

What type ice cream container? They are all cardboard cartons here in my Town. Please, Do you have photo, so I can look to get a few. Thank you.

[@apositivealtitudehomestead8964]

Hi, thanks for reaching out! Good rule is when the down feathers are gone and adult feathers are in. Now, of course they can go out for little bits of supervised time, with access to the safe house. I like to use a gate to make a pen, right outside the house door. They will get used to the sounds and smells of your farm, and they'll be able to watch the other adults and learn from them. This will be good for your adult ducks as well, to get used to the new ducklings of the flock. Hope this helps, have fun! I LOVE those little fluff butts!

[@matthewmaynard5460]

@@DixieBlueEyes neopolitan

[@user-tm9sw7oo2g]

😅😅😅😅😅😅

[@matthewmaynard5460]

@@user-tm9sw7oo2g I thought my joke was going to go viral…I’m glad someone liked it

[@robinward8372]

So adorable. I use hemp bedding. I love my three.

[@normanmack2368]

Excellent idea with paint tray water catcher. I bet it saves cleaning every other day.

[@ibrahimbanda2425]

Very helpful you are really helping

[@aw6707]

My Campbells come in tomorrow!! Couldn't wait for the cuteness so thank you for sharing yours. The acv in the water is new to me - may have to try it. I am considering some clabbered milk over time too.

[@apositivealtitudehomestead8964]

That's so great, I bet your house ia really excited for these little fuzz babies. Yes, apple cigar vinegar is bought in gallons on our homestead. Not only for the livestock, but for us too! I'm intrigued about the milk you speak of...

[@aw6707]

@@apositivealtitudehomestead8964 clabbered milk is fresh milk left out to "clabber" it's a fermentation that makes a product slightly less tasty than yogurt. We buy local milk and had a little extra this week (winter quality is lower so we use less) so I clabber it (ferment it) for our pets. :) it gives the probiotic and protein value

[@Jason32192]

Good job great tips

[@petgoosepaulringo33]

Very good video thank you for taking time to make a nice content +

[@LearningwithJudah]

What kind of food do they eat can you share a link and a link to the water dispensers for them please

[@IpsanAdventures]

They grow up so fast don't they!? great video!

[@morehn]

I use duck eggs for my challah recipe and they're amazing

[@brysonalden5414]

Thanks! We got ducklings, much larger ones, from a neighbor last year and they were already used to being outside. Will be getting more ducklings from our farm supply store this Spring, but not sure how to know when they're ready to go outside on a permanent basis!

[@salisumusa512]

Three weeks is ok

[@aliciamarcel3620]

My dog thought our ducks were chirping. Running around looking for them. Lol

[@apositivealtitudehomestead8964]

That's amazing!!

[@drekavacx5673]

Can I use a brooder heater that I used for my baby hens when I first got them instead of a heat lamp? I refuse to use heat lamps, too many fires caused by them. Also, when can I give them a pool? lol

[@McAmber]

Nice video

[@normanmack2368]

Pick em up often. Good.

[@shellyirwin2562]

Do you need brewers yeast of using a duckling starter feed? Great video!

[@apositivealtitudehomestead8964]

I've never used ducking starter myself. I would look at the ingredients/ nutritional content to see if there's enough niacin for them. Thanks for reaching out!

[@elizabethevans6119]

Are you feeding them straight brewers yeast? Or is it mixed with something? If the former, how long do you keel them on that feed before moving them onto something else?

[@chaoticdriver]

What do you think about using the sawdust pellets?

[@chaoticdriver]

*for the bedding

[@apositivealtitudehomestead8964]

I've never used those before, so I don't really have a good answer for you. I'm sorry. I would worry they would try and eat them, but I'm sure others have done it with success

[@msjackiefriedman]

Oh man! I wish I had thought to use a paint roller screen!

[@apositivealtitudehomestead8964]

Right? When I heard about it, I felt the same way! Now you can use it for the next time!

[@srenghang5555]

good

[@dezairesalas5230]

What did you use for the water catcher tray

[@apositivealtitudehomestead8964]

Thanks for checking us out! In the brooder we use a paint roller tray from any hardware store, with the metal grate on top. Once in their house, we cut a hole in the floor with hardware cloth to cover it to allow water to fall on to the ground. Hope that makes sense, good luck! Feel free to ask questions any time!

[@tatvin907]

How long do you continue the brewer's yeast?

[@apositivealtitudehomestead8964]

Hi! You can continue to give it to them for the duration of their lives. I usually stop when they are fully feathered, supplement a couple times a week if desired

[@Cxrlyheaded]

How do u clean the ducks food and water? Just water or soap? A special kind of soap?

[@apositivealtitudehomestead8964]

I like to use a biodegradable non toxic dish soap, or hot water and vinegar would suffice as well

[@andrewnichols1240]

no grit? feed is brewers yeast and?

[@alliewiley8120]

How much brewers yeast do you give them?

[@apositivealtitudehomestead8964]

Hi there. I usually gave them 1 tsp of yeast to 1 cup of feed. Just make sure the feed is not medicated, it's really harmful to the little fuzzheads.

[@tonywalters9436]

Can we use saw dust chips which is the size of a 1/4 of a inch

[@apositivealtitudehomestead8964]

I've never used them, but that's not to say you couldn't.

[@samanthafleitz8402]

What kind of ducks are those pictured on the front? The olive colored ones. I got mine at Tractor Supply and have no idea what kind they are lol

[@apositivealtitudehomestead8964]

These particular ducklings are Khaki Campbells. Such nice ducks, right? TSC isn't very good about knowing the Turkey and duck breeds when they come in, ugh! Enjoy!!

[@Akfitnessforlife]

Where do you get the brewers yeast?

[@apositivealtitudehomestead8964]

I get mine on Amazon. Fresh Eggs Daily Brewer's Yeast with Garlic Powder Chicken & Duck Feed Supplement 1LB smile.amazon.com/dp/B07C6X65L2/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apan_i_XRGKTBQVMQ9R6959HJF9

[@johndoe7270]

I had to mute. I have an orphaned baby duckling. I estimate about a week. I had to mute because when he/she hears the chirping, it starts chirping in distress......

[@apositivealtitudehomestead8964]

No way, aren't they amazing?!? Poor little orphaned duckling. Are you keeping or rehoming? Good luck with your fuzz baby!

[@johndoe7270]

@@apositivealtitudehomestead8964 They are the best! I was going to keep him and raise him up to be a support animal but Ive come to the conclusion that he needs to be with his own. He misses others ducks and nothing will change it. Ive got a friend coming to pick him up. Hes got a farm and ducks!

[@johndoe7270]

@@apositivealtitudehomestead8964 But when I took it in, I felt emotions that I thought I would never have the privilege of feeling. Some kind of paternal/maternal emotions. It was so overwhelming I stayed on the verge of crying from this mix of emotions. The mother was killed by a cat I think.

[@elviahernandez3313]

Same here lol 😂😭

[@annalisa14]

😢🦆😭

[@heatherjames8030]

Can I use just normal human grade brewers yeast?

[@apositivealtitudehomestead8964]

Hi! Honestly, I don't know the answer to that. I would do a little research on that, I've only used the one made for birds

[@mazingiratv2610]

Is it possible to get the young geese please I am in Kenya how much Can it cost me.

[@baylee_baby_]

I got 5 assorted ducks and then ordered 10 Khaki Campbells and the only thing I can complain about is they sure do like to make a water mess even with the waterers that have the holes haha.

[@apositivealtitudehomestead8964]

If there's water, the ducklings will play. Always! Enjoy

[@twohatchingchicks7048]

hi, I'm 10 years old and I am getting Indian Runner ducklings tomorrow I am so unprepared and want to know everything! I was wondering what type of bedding do you find works best? Any tips?

[@apositivealtitudehomestead8964]

Hi there! I'm excited for you, enjoy them! I recommend pine shaving from your local farm/ feed store. It's better for getting wet as those ducks are going to make a mess! Go to your local hardware store and purchase a paint tray with the metal drip grate. Place the waterer on top and it should help catch the water mess they will create. I like to give them apple cider vinegar in their water every day to boost their immune system. Pick them up every day and they will be your friend once grown. Good luck!

[@huss9629]

You have good grammar for a 10 year old.

[@BeccaS1]

What feed do you give them? Do you mix your own?

[@apositivealtitudehomestead8964]

We don't mix our own, but plan to start this year! I'll do a video on that once we have it here! Right now, we're feeding them DuMOR organic 16% feed from TSC.

[@BeccaS1]

@@apositivealtitudehomestead8964 thank you!

[@Thesocialgarage]

Excellent video! Our 7 year old is an aspiring homesteader, so we're getting our first six ducklings in a couple weeks just to learn before doing more. We need to mail order Feed where we're at. How much food do ducklings eat? Seems most bags of starter are 8lbs that we can have shipped.

[@apositivealtitudehomestead8964]

What a great aspiration at the age of 7, wow! Really when they're young, you just keep filling their food, and keep food in there until they go to their outdoor home. When our ducks went out, they were fed twice a day, more if needed, they'll let you know! Good luck!!

[@sarcasmo57]

Hi, what's the apple cider vinegar for?

[@apositivealtitudehomestead8964]

Hi there! I use ACV for over all health of my animals and family. It's a great way to heal the gut, kills bacteria, healthy skin, and improves heart health

[@JessicaLinquist-eu8id]

What type of duck is this?

[@09raycheal]

Do you keep your chicks & ducks together

[@apositivealtitudehomestead8964]

We've only had Turkey poults and ducklings at once. We kept them separated just in the beginning when they're in the brooder. I worried about the bill/beak issue between the two birds.

[@CAR97838]

I have a new duck. Theyre names are jack and robert. And henry. 8:32 if u want a red light

[@kellymano5930]

How much apple cider vinegar to put in the water..?

[@apositivealtitudehomestead8964]

In the small waterers I will put maybe a Tbsp and more as the waterers get larger. Really I only put in a splash, but I know it's easier to start with exact measurements.

[@kellymano5930]

@@apositivealtitudehomestead8964 thanks

[@JDMar0810]

Would it be okay if I bring them outdoors often? Or should they stay in an enclosure like that all the time?

[@apositivealtitudehomestead8964]

I would hold off on bringing them outdoors for long periods of time, until they're adult feathers have come in. Mine are out all day now, but they go in the house at night for warmth and protection.

[@Kiwiduckssofc]

What age were they when you got them? I need advice

[@apositivealtitudehomestead8964]

We got ours a few days old from a hatchery that ships ducklings.

[@elg1408]

What bulb is that? Is it on 24 hours a day?

[@apositivealtitudehomestead8964]

It's just a normal size heat lamp. I keep it on them until they have their adult feathers, and depending on weather temps. Definitely on during the nights if they're cold.

[@billr6344]

How do you keep them from flying away?

[@apositivealtitudehomestead8964]

Ours don't fly very far, but if you're worried you can clip their flight wings. They don't feel a thing that way!

[@amazingducks8841]

What can i do: My duckling came out of its shell yesterday morning since a day and a half ago. It has not eaten or drank water since yesterday. what can i do to make it eat and rink. though she is still wobbly on his feet. Please help, thank you!

[@apositivealtitudehomestead8964]

I'm so sorry I didn't see this earlier. Did your furry baby make it? Usually they're good for 3 days after hatching, they've still got the yolk to live on. Hope everything is well!

[@amazingducks8841]

@@apositivealtitudehomestead8964 YES!! Thanks for responding ! yes she survived and she is healthy.

[@apositivealtitudehomestead8964]

@@amazingducks8841 that's so amazing, I bet you're ecstatic!

[@amazingducks8841]

@@apositivealtitudehomestead8964 Yes!

[@MB-xq3ol]

baby ducks 1 day old want to go swimming DONT LET THEM so you need water feeder with holes just for beak, if they get wet and cold that can go into shock and die, same holes as dry feeder holes is ok but dry feeded is not designed for water.

[@angelashipman8530]

How much vinger and what kind?

[@apositivealtitudehomestead8964]

I like to use organic raw with the Mother included, and I add 2T/gallon

[@highlysus4407]

How serious is the salmonella thing? The only things I’ve ever read are that it’s a serious issue and requires extreme care. How likely are the ducklings or ducks to give you salmonella ?

[@MangleCosplays]

i have a question. What do you feed ducks. or yours

[@apositivealtitudehomestead8964]

To start, follow the chick starter bag directions. There is a duckling starter, just not where we're located. We just use chick starter with a higher protien. I prefer organic, but as long as it's not medicated, all should be fine. Add in brewer's yeast every meal, I like the yeast with garlic and echinacea added in for health benefits. Also apple cider vinegar in water. Follow age guidelines, about 18 weeks and they can switch to a layer feed. Good luck! Let me know if you have any other questions.

[@gregboshell977]

How come you don't feed them medicated feed

[@elladelezenne5891]

What kind of ducks do you have?

[@apositivealtitudehomestead8964]

These ducks in the video are Khaki Campbell ducks. Smaller ducks, excellent layers!

[@elsyeocampo7381]

What are the benefits to giving ducks apple cider vinegar?

[@apositivealtitudehomestead8964]

It's a way to ward of illness and build up their immune system.

[@elsyeocampo7381]

@@apositivealtitudehomestead8964 awesome thank you for info!

[@RealityCheck1]

@@apositivealtitudehomestead8964 i lowered my cholesterol from 222 to 141 in 1 week with apple cider vinegar

[@debapriyamaitra4483]

This is the main point that the ducklings have to be kept open outside

[@ainthatquanquan]

Do they get along with chicks?

[@apositivealtitudehomestead8964]

We have ours living with chickens and a Turkey!

[@ainthatquanquan]

@@apositivealtitudehomestead8964 so no bullying when they are young?

[@apositivealtitudehomestead8964]

@@ainthatquanquan we keep them all together in a house, but for the first couple weeks we keep them separated with a gate/ fence. That way everyone can see one another, but can't fight

[@gadgetsworld5253]

Can i use wood pellets for bedding because i cant find shavings here😔

[@apositivealtitudehomestead8964]

I don't know that I would, but if that's the only thing you can get, it's okay. Just watch that they don't try to eat it! Have a great day!

[@gadgetsworld5253]

@@apositivealtitudehomestead8964 yes they’re not eating thankgod and one more thing i wanna ask how to give them peas like boiled peas or raw

[@apositivealtitudehomestead8964]

@@gadgetsworld5253 how old are they? If they're small, you may need to smash the peas first. If they're older, fresh or frozen peas are great.

[@gadgetsworld5253]

@@apositivealtitudehomestead8964 they r 1.3 weeks old

[@apositivealtitudehomestead8964]

@@gadgetsworld5253 i would wait until they're about 4 weeks old to introduce peas

[@livhuwaniisaac6929]

I had 2 Mallard ducks that died what could be the possible reason

[@kirstenkall4752]

Where can I get the brewers yeast

[@apositivealtitudehomestead8964]

Brewer's Yeast for Backyard Chickens & Ducks with Echinacea, Garlic, & Oregano (4 pounds) a.co/d/8ID2Ebl This is what we've always used, it's AMAZING! Hope this helps, thanks for reaching out and watching our video!

[@stephanied9629]

Do you have your ducklings vaccinated?

[@apositivealtitudehomestead8964]

Nope, organically raised since we got them

[@sandrachristie7288]

Lack of niacin

[@apositivealtitudehomestead8964]

Brewer's yeast takes care of that