The Accidental Smallholder Forum

Livestock => Poultry & Waterfowl => Topic started by: lesleysprite on May 15, 2017, 07:23:04 pm

Title: Ducklings -food and water at night
Post by: lesleysprite on May 15, 2017, 07:23:04 pm

Hi, I have runner ducklings -can anyone tell me:

Do ducks always need access to water in their house at night, or if not, until what age do they need it?
What age do ducklings stop needing to have food available at night?

Thanks!

Title: Re: Ducklings -food and water at night
Post by: Marches Farmer on May 18, 2017, 09:22:59 pm

I've raised only Khaki Campbells and Aylesburys but once they were three weeks old and hardened off from their infra red lamp they were locked in at dusk (10 p.m. here in midsummer) away from their water and feed and let out at 6.00 a.m.

Title: Re: Ducklings -food and water at night
Post by: bj_cardiff on May 19, 2017, 12:04:02 pm

I have runners too. The ducklings will stay indoors for at least 4 weeks, depending on how well they grow and feather etc. Once their out during the day with free access to water  I'd start taking their water away at night

I always used to give them water at night but they make such a mess and it seems to attract a lot of midgies into the bedding

Title: Re: Ducklings -food and water at night
Post by: lord flynn on May 19, 2017, 05:10:12 pm

mine all have water and food in their shed all the time. They get an old supplement bucket which they can drink out of but is too small for them to get in (adults). the handle is hooked to a hook in the wall. Ducklings get a no spill dog water bowl-food in a shallow tray.

Title: Re: Ducklings -food and water at night
Post by: twizzel on May 20, 2017, 06:08:53 pm

Mine are raised under a broody duck so go to bed with her from day 1 and don't have food or water overnight. Never seemed to bother them.

Title: Re: Ducklings -food and water at night
Post by: lesleysprite on May 20, 2017, 08:44:37 pm

Thanks for your replies folks, that's helpful

Lesley