Duckling Brooder 101

by Team 9C August 28, 2023

Hi friends! I’m Luisa from the Georgia based lifestyle blog Peaches to Pearls. Today I will be sharing a few tips on getting your duckling brooder set up this season. Although similar to chicks, ducklings do have a few different requirements. Here’s a checklist of what you will need before you ducklings arrive:

Plastic Bin

First and foremost you need to figure out where you want to keep your ducklings until they are ready to go outside. I use a 55 gallon plastic bin but you can use anything that is safe to hold a heat source.

Bedding

Ducklings need something soft to walk and lay on while they are in the brooder. I use Eaton Pet and Pasture hemp bedding because it is super soft and safe for ducklings. I also love that it’s easy to clean up and I can compost it in the garden. When it comes to proper bedding the biggest thing to remember is NO cedar shavings because it is toxic to birds.

Heat Source

Ducklings do not get their full adult feathers until they are 7-8 weeks old so they will
need a heat source until then. A lamp with a thermometer or heat plate is a must!
Starter Feed Like chicks, ducklings need starter feed their first few weeks of life. NEVER use medicated feed for ducklings, it is toxic to them. They also need a feed that containsniacin (vitamin B3) for proper wing development.

Water Dispenser

Ducks drink plenty of water, and it should always be provided near the feed to flush their food down. Also, give them a deep enough bowl of water where they can submerge their head into. This helps to clean their bills and keep the mucous membranes moist. Call ducks (miniature ducks breed) have much smaller heads so they do not require a very deep bowl. The bigger the duckling the bigger the bowl you will need.

Optional: Paint Tray

This is not a requirement BUT it will make your life easier, trust me! I place their water dispenser or water bowl on top of the paint tray. Ducklings are super super messy because they use water to clean out their bills while eating and foraging.

I hope you find this blog post helpful!

Xo,
Luisa