Duckling Growth and Timeline

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Day 1–3: HATCHLING STAGE

• Stays in brooder under heat lamp

• Learning to walk & peep

• Absorbing yolk sac (no food needed for first 24 hrs)

• Egg tooth visible—usually falls off by day 3

• Starts drinking water & nibbling starter feed

Day 4–7: FIRST WEEK

• Fully eating & drinking

• Beginning to grow fluffier

• Poops more often (check for pasty butt!)

• Very curious and social

• May start dabbling in shallow supervised water

• Brooder temp: ~90°F

Week 2

• Growing fast—legs and necks look longer

• Feather stubs start showing on wings

• Practicing preening

• Loves exploring & supervised water play

• Brooder temp: ~85°F

Week 3–4

• First real feathers appear

• Can start short outdoor visits in warm weather

• Stronger waddling and personality!

• Enjoys safe veggies/fruit treats

• Brooder temp: ~80°F → reduce weekly by ~5°F

Week 5–6

• Most fluff turning to feathers

• Practicing bathing & preening more

• May try flapping & short hops

• Needs access to niacin-rich diet

• Brooder temp: ~75°F or ambient if fully feathered

Week 7–8

• Nearly fully feathered

• Can regulate body temperature well

• Can go outside full-time in mild weather

• Enjoys foraging, swimming, and exploring

Keep it Quacky My Friends!

With Love,

Amber