Raising Baby Ducks: Duckling Eating Habits Explained

Fun children’s book about baby ducks. Raising baby ducks can be a daunting and challenging undertaking.

In this article, we will focus on delving into ducklings’ eating habits and learn some helpful information on raising them.

First and foremost, ducks are such adorable and peaceful creatures. However, they also have their unique quality of being gentle and amusing. It’s great news that they can live up to 20 years and are inexpensive. Plus, ducks are easy to care for. That said, let us explore their realm and acquire some helpful information on raising baby ducks, particularly for those considering getting them as pets.

Raising Baby Ducks: Ducks as Pets

Of course, before considering keeping a duck as a pet, it is important to note that ducks are definitely not indoor pets and are unfitting for an indoor lifestyle. They are not house pets to just forever keep within the confines of your home, specifically in your bathtub. This understanding is crucial for a responsible and committed duck owner.

On that note, we can already grasp the idea that ducks are social creatures who are required to live outdoors in order to survive and thrive. As mentioned, ducks are ‘social’, so keeping just one duck is actually not recommended even though it’s possible. It is a strong recommendation, in order for their needs to be fulfilled, to keep at least two ducks or, perhaps, just keep three or more.

Photo of yellow and black colored ducklings

^{Photo by Olivia Colacicco on Unsplash}

Here are some helpful tips and information when raising baby ducks:

When considering on getting ducklings, 2-4 ducks is a great starting number.
Keep in mind that male to female ratio is crucial when picking out your ducks to ensure good balance. However, if you happen not to plan on breeding them, you can consider getting only female or only male ducks instead.
Establish a brooder in which the ducklings can reside. It is indeed a fact that ducklings need a lot of water and a perfect environment for them to splash around. However, it must be considered that they shouldn’t be constantly wet.
A temperature of 90 degrees Fahrenheit is recommended when setting up your brooder for the first week.
Good nutrition and proper management are both crucial when it comes to raising baby ducks to ensure their health.
Feces are a huge issue to consider when getting a duck. You may want to check your ducklings for a pasty butt which is quite common in chicks or ducklings.

For more additional information, you might like to read a related article about some fun facts about baby ducks that will definitely surprise you.

Duckling Eating Practices

^{Photo by Alexander Sinn on Unsplash}

Feeding Ducklings

The way baby ducks eat is that they grab a bill full of feed and dunk it in water to moisten it before swallowing. Nonetheless, they can be fed with unmedicated regular chick feed.

Food Requirements

Apparently, ducks possess such unique requirements when it comes to food. Either you can give them food specifically made for waterfowl or give them chick starter/grower. One thing to note is ducks also tend to eat more than chicks, so it might be possible for them to be overdosed when provided with medicated feed. In addition, ducks require more niacin in their chick feed, so you are expected to supply that need.

Feed Quality

The quality of what you feed to your ducks, particularly with the ingredients, is immensely important. Purchased or mixed on the farm feed is strictly suggested to be stored away from rodents, insects, contamination, and molds. When feeding ducks, never consider using moldy feed because this causes serious health problems.

Feed Form

When it comes to maximizing the growth rate and feed efficiency of the ducks, a high-quality pelleted feed is highly recommended. It is an important factor that contributes significantly to their development.

Feeders and Waterers

Ducklings, especially as they are considered growing ducks, should be provided with free access to feed and water at all times. On that note, they should also have sufficient floor, feeder, and waterer space and area. Additionally, feeders and waterers are required to always be kept as clean as possible.

Medications

While ducks show greater resistance to the majority of diseases and parasites compared to most domestic fowl, it is critical to keep ducklings under good management and sanitary practices while also regarding a veterinarian consultation for proper medication usage or serious health problems. Colibacillosis, fowl cholera, salmonellosis, and necrotic enteritis are all common diseases ducks can get.

A Book About Baby Ducks? Dig Into It!

12 Little Ducks by Janice Jobey is a fun children’s book about baby ducks.

It involves an endearing tale of Wood Duck hatchlings that will surely delight and engage young children. We highly recommend grabbing a copy for you and your kids to read in your cherished bonding time. Click here to be directed to your purchase.

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Janice Jobey

Janice Jobey is a dedicated advocate for phonological awareness in young children, drawing from her own early childhood struggles with speech and hearing challenges. With a Master’s in Child Development and a Master’s in Education, Janice has a deep understanding of early childhood literacy, learning, and mental health. As an author, curriculum developer, and sought-after speaker, she shares her expertise in literacy and child development at various events. Living in rural Oklahoma, Janice enjoys writing, gardening, and spending time with her seven granddaughters, passionately working to improve the lives of young children through education and advocacy.