Guide to Raising Ducklings
- AB
- Jun 11
- 4 min read
Updated: Jun 12
Hey There,
What's Quack-a-Lackin
Bringing home baby ducks is one of those sweet, simple joys that fills your heart and backyard
with a whole new kind of energy. There’s something calming about their gentle peeps, the way
they wobble around exploring their world, and how they seem to bring out the softest side of
everyone who meets them.
Whether you’ve dreamed of raising ducks for a while or decided on a whim to welcome a few
fluffy friends, there’s something so special about these first days. It’s exciting, a little messy, and
wonderfully rewarding. So, let’s talk about what you ACTUALLY need to survive the adorable chaos of new ducklings.
There are a few different ways you could be getting your new ducklings, you either order from a hatchery, or pick them up at your local farm store.
Either way, you are now the mama duck!!!
Isn’t that so exciting?!
DON’T WORRY- I’m not going to tell you to sit on your ducklings. However, In order to mimic
the mama duck you will need to setup a brooder-Think of the brooder like a duckling nursery —
You’ll need something safe, warm, and easy to clean. Ducks are not tidy babies.
BROODER BASICS CHECKLIST:
(There is a list of links to the items that I use at the bottom of this post)
A big plastic bin or a kiddie pool
Make sure the container is big enough for them to get away from the heat lamp if they need to.
Pine shavings, or puppy pads
(not cedar-it smells nice but it's bad for their little lungs). I like to start with puppy pads-it seems easier for the ducklings to walk around on the first few days.
A heat lamp or brooder plate to keep them toasty
A small food bowl (kitchen ramekin)
Use unmedicated Duckling starter feed (not chick food-ducks need added niacin. Make sure to choose duckling starter feed that includes niacin in the ingredients label)- ducks will develop a deformity called angel wing if they do not have enough niacin in their daily diet.
A water bowl they can’t swim in
(they will try, don’t worry)- I like to use shallow kitchen ramekins when they first arrive.
SET IT UP:
Spread your puppy pad/pine shavings in a thin layer in your bin.
Clamp your light to one side of the bin so one side of the brooder is nice and toasty, but they have room to get away from the heat if they want to.
add the food and water dishes.
If your thinking, "That doesn't sound like much!"- You're right. It's not. But what you lack in fancy gear, you'll make up for in wiping down soggy surfaces 47 times a day. I promise you wouldn't want it any other way though, the cuteness overload is worth every soggy puppy pad!
IDEAL BROODER TEMPS:
week 1- 90 degrees F
Then drop 5 degrees each week
Watch how they act:
Huddled and peeping sadly? Too cold.
Spread out and panting like they've just run a marathon? Too hot.
Laying around like royalty in a feather pile? just right.
Honestly, they'll tell you whats up if you pay attention.
MAKE SURE YOU INTERACT WITH YOUR DUCKLINGS OFTEN:
Talk to them. Hold them gently. Let them sit in your hand and fall asleep (your productivity will
plummet but your serotonin will skyrocket-seriously).
They’ll learn your voice. They’ll think you’re their mom. They’ll follow you around like tiny, fluffy shadows with a lot of opinions.
And yes, it is absolutely as heart melting as it sounds.
LIFE AFTER THE BROODER: They’ll move outside when:
They’re fully feathered (around 6–8 weeks)
It’s warm enough, especially at night
You’ve got a safe, predator-proof area for them to explore and splash
THIS is what is probably going to happen..... You’re going to look at your freshly set-up brooder and feel like a duck-parenting pro.
Then the ducklings arrive, and you’ll wonder if you’re doing it right.
Then one of them will fall asleep in your hand, and you’ll be a goner.
You’ll laugh at the splashing. You’ll text your friends way too many duck pics. You’ll never look
at peas the same way again.
There will be times that they worry the heck out of you, but that's
just a part of being a duck mama!
You’ve got this.
And if you have any questions-please just ask, or you just want to share your story-I would love
to hear it!
KEEP IT QUACKY MY FRIENDS!
With Love,
Amber
Links to the items I use for my ducklings!
If you purchase from the links listed, I will earn a small commission at no additional cost to you.
This is the duckling starter food that I would recommend you start with. It is the same food that the ducklings in the zoo are started on, and it exceeds the niacin requirements with 70%. It doessell out quickly in store, so I would recommend ordering in advance. This is the link to order it on amazon.
This is the perfect size plastic bin for just a few ducklings.
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