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How to Care for Newly Hatched Ducklings

Ducks are a wonderful addition to a farm since they provide eggs as well as manure to use as compost for the garden. After your ducklings crawl out of their shells, they will need to brood for about six weeks. During this time, ducklings need to be fed the proper foods and kept in a brooder to stay warm. Raising ducklings to adulthood is a rewarding experience and, if cared for properly, they can live 10 years or more.

Instructions

- 1
  Create a chick brooder by finding a large cardboard box and placing 3 to 4 inches of peat moss or dry wood shavings on the bottom. Newly hatched ducklings require approximately 6 square inches of brooder space, increasing to 12 square inches as they mature into adolescent ducks after three weeks. Plan the size of your brooder accordingly.
- 2
  Set up a commercial brooder heater or a 250-watt brooder lamp to keep your ducklings warm. This size is sufficient for up to 25 ducklings.
- 3
  Feed your ducklings non-medicated starter mash or crumbles with 20 to 22 percent protein for the first three weeks, then switch them to non-medicated mash, crumbles or pellets with 16 percent protein. Keep a bowl of water for your ducklings at all times. Ducks do not have teeth so they need to wash their food down with water.

Animals & Science