Newbie with runner ducks

[Kizma]

Hi everyone.
I am new to these forums having browsed for quite some time. I currently have 10 runner ducks incubating. We are on day 17 and getting more excited. My husband bought the incubator and brooder set for me as a gift and I have a question about the brooding part. It came with a 150 watt infrared lamp. We are planning on keeping the brooder cage indoors initially because we want our boys to see the ducklings growing and for them to get used to us. Is 150 watt too powerful for using indoors, should I get a lower wattage and if so what would you suggest?
Thanks in advance for your help.

 

[Marigold]

Hi Kizma, and welcome to the Forum.
At this time of year, in the high summer temperatures, I would agree that 150 watts is too high. The ducklings will grow very fast and will actually need hardly any heat after the first few days if kept indoors. I'm no expert but I would think that 60 or 100 watts would be fine for starters. Whatever you use, you'll need to reduce the temperature steadily so they can get outside ASAP, because the sun and air will do more for them than being in a brooder. Do you have a covered run prepared for them to go in, which maybe you can move around on to fresh grass every day or so? Unless you have huge brooder box, you will need much more space very soon after they hatch, as they need to be able to run around in order to develop properly and will get incredibly messy in a small brooder.
How exciting, do keep in touch as the hatch approaches. Are you all set up with non-medicated chick crumb for them?

 

[Kizma]

Thanks for your reply marigold. I'll get a lower wattage bulb to get them started then. I have all the bits for a covered run, I just need the husband to assemble it! I have non-medicated crumb. Now just need the ducklings. I think one has possibly died, it isn't the same size as the rest when I candle it and I haven't seen movement

 

[Marigold]

Well, 100% hatch is nice but if you get fewer than that, I'm sure they'll keep you busy all the same. How old are your boys? What a good introduction to poultry keeping.

 

[Kizma]

They are 2 and 4 1/2. My older boy loves being there when I turn the eggs and has already picked out names. I'm just keeping my fingers crossed he isn't disappointed. Not quite on track for 100%, I discarded a non fertile egg at day 9, but going ok otherwise