A friend who gave me my first ducklings told me she did this with all her broody babies and I loved the idea. The babies always appreciate having something to cuddle with, on and under ❤️
Great info and thanks for sharing. You're making me want more chicks. I found that using rabbit water bottles in the chick brooder worked better for me. I don't have to change the water as often since they can't kick shavings and poop in it.
Hi Katherine! How long do you keep them both ducks/chicks in the brooder ? I've heard 4 weeks .... We are currenlty living in a travel trailer and moving to our property May1st where we are offgrid so I wont be able to keep them warm with a lamp over(until we start to set things up) there so I was thinking getting them here and keep the brooder in the bathtub with the radiant heat plate and by the time we move they will be old enough to be in their coop outside in our property. We are also moving 800 miles away so I plan to take them in a dog kennel to transport them. Things are hard r n and I don't know if it chicks will be as available as they are now by the time we get there.... Any suggestions ...let me know if I sound crazy ... And could I keep the ducklings and chicks together in the brooder ? I plan to get no more than 12 betweeen ducks and chicks and space is limited ... Thank you so kuch for sharing,long time watcher here (Im rewatching the preppers series you did with Julie) Stay safe Lety
Not crazy! If you can provide a space for the chicks to go that can retain heat, like a nesting box type concept, that will help Ducklings are really hardy and I don’t provide them supplemental heat past a week or so, unless it is crazy cold. Chicks require a little more heat for a little longer. Ideally 4-5 weeks but you can watch your chicks behavior and adjust accordingly.
What breeds do you recommend for first time chick and duck owners that are going to lay lots of eggs? Also, do you keep your ducks and chickens together once they are ready to be moved outside?
I raise for both meat and egg. I like production/dual purpose breeds. I’ve had good success with Black Australorps. They seem to survive predators better than my other breeds, they lay well and are good for meat. Muscovy are great choice for ducks. They are prolific layers. They are quiet. They are meaty. Only disadvantage is they are able to fly.
