When to let Call ducklings swim

[senna]

Hi folks, I am just about to hatch my first call ducks and was looking for info online about when to let them have their first swim and there seems to be some difference of opinion, some say let them swim within the first 3 or 4 days while others say wait till they are about 8 weeks especially if they have been hatched in an incubator. I am a bit confused and would welcome any input about this or anything else to do with raising ducklings. Thanks :?

 

[Anonymous]

I dont let mine swim as such bt they do enjoy a shallow tray and i let them have a swim at about 1 week old, indoors. If they are from incubator people will say not to let them swim because they haven't got the oils off mother duck to make them water proof. I don't see the harm in it as they love it, but I would monitor them in the water as ducklings are a bit daft and can easily drown. And also ensure they go straight back under their lamp/ electric hen or what ever you use to dry them out properly, I also dont let them in water for more than 5 mins as they get cold quickly. Paint roller trays are great 17 Good luck with your hatch!

 

[Davidd]

Hello are they incubator or mother hatched? If mother hatched they can swim straight away- they get oil from being under their mum- if incubator hatched i would wait for a few weeks until their preen gland is working properly.
regards, David

 

[senna]

Thanks for the info folks. They are [hopefully] hatching in the incubator.I will keep you posted