[kaz]

As I never incubated ducks eggs before, how soon after they hatch do I give ducklings food & water.

[little blue]

24 hours according to the "book"

... however, we put water in earlier, partly so we could "dip" them to clean off the mucosy membrane. And they willingly drank it much sooner than 24hrs.
food followed fairly fast!

[jaykay]

They can go up to 24 hours, like chicks.
I let mine hatch and fluff up - and move at least 2 together from the incubator to the brooder.
Like you do with chicks, dip their beaks in the water so they know where and what it is.

[kaz]

Thanks both that really helps.