The Accidental Smallholder Forum
Livestock => Poultry & Waterfowl => Topic started by: CameronS on July 08, 2010, 12:23:20 pm
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When can i take my duckling off heat? and what age should i encourage swimming
Thanks :&>
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I introduce my lot to water after 24 hours, I know some people disagree. I am with them at all times so there is no possibility of any accidents. Remember any drinking water must not be deep. I would certainly keep the hear lamp on for the first week, it depends nwhere you are keeping them and the temperature outside.
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My duck took her 14 ducklings onto the pond just an hour after the last one hatched!! as long as they can easily get out they will be fine. My turkey poults are in a shed had heat for the first week, none since as its so warm.
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Having watched the little ducklings on our canal across the field, they hatch, and within a few minutes are jumping down the steep bank into the water - they seem to know what to do!! And I am sure you will not be putting yours on a canal, so can supervise their first swimming lesson!!
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Mine had their first swim at a week old when I mucked them out, put them in the bath!!
They came off heat at about 4 weeks, they were outside at 3 weeks but took the light off them when my next lot of eggs hatched.