If you can handle a mess, raising ducklings is the absolute best whether you’re doing it for fresh eggs, meat, pest control, or family pets. Ducklings are hardy (hardier than chickens!), sociable, and relatively easy to care for. They do have specific needs that differ from other poultry, but it’s not as daunting as you might think. Honestly, there are more than a few ways that ducks are easier to care for than chickens.

If you’re new to raising and caring for ducklings, this quick and comprehensive guide will walk you through all the essentials to ensure your little feathered friends grow into healthy, happy adult ducks.

Without further ado, here’s the complete beginner’s guide to raising ducklings

Why should you consider raising ducklings?

Ducks are amazing!!! They have a voracious appetite for slugs and snails, they don’t scratch up the roots of your plants, and they’re charming as heck. They’re awesome birds that will bring a ton of benefits to your homestead or backyard.

Here are a few reasons why you might want to raise ducks:

• Duck eggs are larger, richer, and higher in nutrients than chicken eggs, making them a favorite for bakers and egg fans.
• Ducks are excellent foragers and will happily eat slugs, snails, and a whole host of other garden pests.
• Some breeds of ducks are raised specifically for meat production due to their fast growth and tender, flavorful meat.
• Ducks are curious, fun-loving companions that can form bonds with their owners.
• Ducks are generally more resilient than chickens and can thrive in a variety of climates and conditions.

Now that you know why raising ducklings is awesome, here’s what you need to know to start raising your own ducks.

Raising healthy ducklings: Getting ready

Before you bring your ducklings home, you’ll need to prepare their living space and gather a few essential supplies. Ducks grow quickly, so it’s important to be ready for them from day one.

The brooder

A brooder is a safe, warm space where ducklings will live for the first 4-6 weeks of their lives. It can be a large plastic tub, a wooden box, or even a kiddie pool. The brooder needs to be large enough to allow the ducklings to move around and explore as they grow.

Key things to consider for the brooder:

• Size: Ducklings need about 1 square foot of space per duckling in the beginning. As they grow, you’ll need to give them more space.
• Sides: Make sure the brooder has sides tall enough to prevent the ducklings from hopping out as they get bigger.
• Ventilation: Ensure the brooder is well-ventilated to avoid humidity build-up.
• Heat source: Ducklings, like all baby birds, need warmth for the first few weeks of life. A heat lamp or brooder heating plate will do the job (a heating plate is a much safer option – there’s no bulb to break, potentially causing a fire). Start with a temperature of 90°F (32°C) during the first week, and then decrease the temperature by 5°F each week as the ducklings grow feathers. Ducklings will let you know if they are too hot or too cold—if they are huddled under the heat source, they’re cold; if they’re staying away from it, they’re too hot.
• Bedding: Ducks are notoriously messy with water, so you’ll need a bedding material that can absorb moisture and be changed regularly. Pine shavings work well, as they are absorbent and easy to clean. Avoid using newspaper or slick surfaces, as these can be slippery and lead to leg injuries. Change the bedding often to keep it dry and reduce odors.
• Food and water: Ducklings need constant access to both food and water. Ducklings are messier than chicks, especially with water, so it’s important to have a setup that minimizes spills and contamination. Use a shallow dish or a special chick waterer to prevent them from climbing into their water and getting wet, which can lead to chilling. Remember that these are waterfowl – they need access to water! Without it, they’ll have problems eating and breathing, so it’s really important.

Feeder and waterer tips:

• Ducklings must be able to dip their entire bills into the water to clean their nostrils.
• Raise the waterer slightly off the ground (you can place it on a brick, for instance. Just make sure it doesn’t wind up being too high off the ground for them to reach) to prevent bedding from being kicked into the water. I found these grids for paint trays that I put the food and water on (I used a grid with a paint tray, and it worked perfectly. No sharp sides and good drainage!). Your ducklings are going to get their water absolutely everywhere, and this lets the water drain down without soaking their bedding. You could staple some hardware cloth to a little square of boards or use a lot of other solutions, but they are going to get messy!
• Use a chick or duckling feeder to provide them with food. Ducklings tend to spill and play with their food, so a feeder that limits waste is helpful. Ducklings require a special high-protein diet for rapid growth. Choose a non-medicated starter feed that contains 20% protein for the first two weeks of life, then transition to a grower feed with around 16-18% protein.

Don’t forget the niacin!

Unlike chicks, ducklings need extra niacin (vitamin B3) for healthy bone and joint development. To prevent niacin deficiency, which can cause leg issues, supplement their feed with brewer’s yeast (about one tablespoon per cup of feed) or use a feed specifically formulated for ducks.

Bringing your ducklings home: Day one tips

The first day with your ducklings is critical to ensuring their health and well-being. Follow these steps for a smooth start:

1. Introduce them to the brooder: Gently place your ducklings in the brooder under the heat source. They should immediately start exploring their new environment.
2. Show them the water: Ducklings can become dehydrated quickly, so it’s important to show them how to drink by gently dipping each duckling’s bill into the water.
3. Ensure they’re eating: Make sure they start eating their food by placing the feeder nearby. Ducklings have a good instinct for finding food, but you can tap on the food to attract their attention if needed.

Raising ducklings: Week-by-week care

Raising ducklings requires consistent care and attention, especially during their first few weeks. Here’s a general guide on what to expect each week:

Week 1-2: Warmth and growth

• Keep the brooder temperature at 90°F for the first week, then lower it by 5°F each week.
• Provide fresh food and water daily. Clean the waterer frequently, as ducklings will splash and mess up their water constantly.
• Keep bedding dry and change it as needed.

Week 3-4: Feathering out

• By this stage, ducklings will start growing feathers, and you can reduce their dependency on the heat source. Continue lowering the temperature gradually.
• Increase the brooder space if possible, as they will need more room to move around.
• Continue feeding them with grower feed and ensuring they have plenty of fresh water.

Week 5-6: Preparing for the outdoors

• By now, your ducklings will be nearly fully feathered, and they can start spending time outdoors if the weather is warm enough. Gradually introduce them to outdoor time by supervising them in a safe, enclosed area.
• They should no longer need a heat lamp during the day but may still need warmth at night, especially if the temperatures drop.
• Consider introducing them to shallow water sources for swimming under supervision. Make sure they can easily get in and out of the water to prevent exhaustion or drowning.

Week 7-8: Moving to the coop or duck house

• By the time they’re fully feathered (around 6-8 weeks), ducklings can live outside full-time. Ensure they have a predator-proof coop or duck house with adequate ventilation, dry bedding, and protection from the elements. Ducks would really prefer not to go up a ramp, so finding a coop that’s low to the ground is a good choice. I have this coop in tan, for example, and it’s great.
• Ducks are natural foragers, so allow them access to a yard or garden where they can hunt for insects, slugs, and other small critters.

Health concerns to watch for

Ducklings are generally hardy, but there are a few health issues you should keep an eye on:

• Niacin deficiency: As mentioned earlier, niacin deficiency can lead to leg problems. To prevent this, supplement their diet with brewer’s yeast or niacin.
• Wet brooder: Ducks love water, and a wet brooder can lead to respiratory issues or chills. Keep the brooder as dry as possible by changing the bedding often and managing water spills.
• Overheating or chilling: Ducklings are sensitive to temperature changes, so monitor their behavior. Adjust the heat source as necessary to keep them comfortable. If they’re all huddled up together near the heat source, they’re too cold! If they’re all trying to get away from the heat source, you can probably turn it down a little.

Transitioning ducklings to water

Ducks love water, but young ducklings need supervision when swimming. Introduce them to water gradually:

1. Start with a shallow dish: For the first few weeks, give them access to a shallow dish of water where they can splash and dip their heads without getting their entire body wet.
2. Supervised swimming: Once they are feathered and you are confident they can manage, provide a shallow kiddie pool or pond for swimming. Ensure they have a ramp or a way to get out of the water easily to avoid exhaustion or drowning.

Raising happy, healthy ducklings

Raising ducklings is a fun and rewarding experience, but it requires preparation, attention, and care. If you provide a warm, clean brooder, a nutritious diet, and plenty of fresh water, you’ll ensure your ducklings grow into strong, healthy adult ducks. Whether they’re for eggs, meat, pest control, or pets, ducks are sure to bring joy to your home and backyard.

Enjoy your new babies!