Duckling advice please

[Anonymous]

Hi there. I am new to keeping ducks and have recently acquired 3 ducklings. They are 4 weeks old. One I'm told is a khaki Campbell. The other 2 are mixed breed. They are in a brooder box with a lamp at night and go out in a run during the day if the weather is nice. At what age should I take the lamp away? They are just starting to feather up a bit. I would still lock them away at night. Also at what age should they be getting grit in their diet and would it be the same grit I give to the hens? All advice would be much appreciated. Many thanks.

 

[Anonymous]

Hi, you will know when to take the lamp away as they wont huddle underneath it and be further away now, i should imagine at four weeks and this time of year its warm enough for it to be taken away as long as theyre locked up at night. I provide mine mixed poultry grit, they dont use much of it to be honest, but i'd introduce it to them shortly, I don't think it would be a problem giving it to them now, please somebody correct me if i'm wrong!?

Good luck with your babies!

 

[Anonymous]

thanks for your reply. Now got the babies outside and they are quite happy. Growing very fast aswell! they are still locked up at night but are quite happy free ranging with the hens during the day.
Thanks again

 

[daniellesdogs]

my ducklings are 5 weeks on wed and have been out side with the adults for almost 2 weeks they are doing great probly not the right thing to do but as much as i was cleaning out they were still smelly and dirty now they out side they are so much happier and friendly