runner duck eggs

[Anonymous]

Someone has just given me 6 runner duck eggs which I have now put under one of my broody hens. I have no experience of ducks before and have NO idea what to do to care for them. All I know is that if they are fertile they will hatch in 28 days approx. I would welcome any advice please. I have ordered a book - but it has not arrived yet!!!

Do they eat chick crumbs and when should they be put on growers pellets ( if they should!!)
Should I keep them seperate from my chickens?
How long can I leave the broody hen with them?
When can they go on water?

I have a house ready for them but do not know when I should let them out onto the pond on their own. Obviously the hen will not swim - do they learn on their own?
I am such a dunce - I really need to know all this and more before the chicks hatch. Any advice would be REALLY useful PLEASE. Many thanks Shirley

 

[Davidd]

Hi, when they hatch you need to feed them duck crumbs- or unmedicated chick crumbs- not medicated chick crumbs. If possible you should keep them separate from your chickens- they will need to be kept with the hen for about 4 weeks- in their own run and coop- you can take the broody away after 4 weeks - less if the weather is very warm - ducklings are hardier than chicks- they need heat for less time. You can put a shallow wide dish/tray of water in for them after a few days- they will swin and spash in it and then go back under the hen to dry off. I wouldn't let them on the water until at least 4 or 5 weeks. They swim naturally- you dont need to teach them- as long as the water is shallow to start with and they don't get too wet too early they will be fine.
regards, David

 

[Anonymous]

Thanks David - very useful information. Fingers cross I get a good hatch now.
Shirley