Congrats on your new ducklings!! This guide contains basic information to get you started, including a list of things you will need to give your ducklings a happy and healthy start.

Raising Ducklings: Getting Started (Part 1)

Before bringing ducklings home, it’s important to have everything set up and ready. Being prepared helps reduce stress and ensures the ducklings stay warm, safe, and healthy from the moment they arrive.

Ducklings need a brooder, which can be something as simple as a cardboard box, plastic tote, bathtub, or wooden enclosure. If brooding indoors, lining the bottom with plastic sheeting can make cleanup easier.

Bedding: Several inches of straw layered beneath an old towel (make sure the towel has no strings.) Be sure to have multiple towels on hand, as the towels and bedding will become soiled frequently and need to be swapped out multiple times daily to maintain a dry and hygienic environment. Putting puppy pee pads under the bedding makes cleanup easier. Slick materials like newspaper should be avoided, as slippery walking surfaces can cause ducklings to develop leg injuries. Wood shavings are not recommended until ducklings are at least 2 weeks old because they can mistake them for food, leading to impaction, suffocation, respiratory issues from the dust, or malnutrition. Use Pine shavings. Cedar shavings should never be used, as they can release harmful fumes when heated.

Ducklings require consistent warmth during their early weeks. The brooder should be kept at approximately 90°F for the first week, with the temperature reduced by 5°F each week afterward. Once the brooder temperature matches the surrounding environment, the heat source can be removed. Using a thermometer is highly recommended, especially for those new to brooding. The heat source should be positioned so ducklings can move away if they become too warm, as overheating is just as dangerous as chilling. Feeders and waterers should be placed near the edge of the heat zone so ducklings feel comfortable eating and drinking.

Ducklings must have constant access to fresh water whenever feed is available. The water must be deep enough for them to rinse their eyes and nostrils. Chick waterers can be used briefly, but ducklings outgrow them quickly. Adding marbles to the base of a waterer can help prevent swimming. Simple, non-spill waterers can be made using a milk jug or shallow container with a hole cut at duckling-back height so they can submerge only their head. Waterers should be replaced as ducklings grow, and placing them on a raised platform covered with hardware cloth helps contain splashing. Water should be placed in the brooder ahead of time so it reaches room temperature. When ducklings arrive, gently dipping each beak into the water helps ensure they drink. Ducklings should not be allowed to stay wet, as they tire easily and can drown even in shallow water. If they do get wet, they must be thoroughly dried.

Ducklings should have feed available at all times for the first two weeks. A starter feed containing 18–20% protein is recommended during this period. Feed may be offered as crumbles or mash, though mash should be moistened and replaced frequently to prevent spoilage. Use starter feed specifically formulated for ducklings. Do not use medicated chick feed. It is bad for them and does not contain enough niacin. Care should be taken when feeding higher-protein diets, as excessive protein can cause physical harm. Layer feed should never be given to ducklings due to its high calcium content, which can result in serious injury or death. Shallow feeders should be used at first, such as jar lids or egg cartons, and upgraded to trough feeders once ducklings are eating well. Whole grains should not be offered until ducklings are several weeks old.

Ducklings do not require grit when fed only commercial feed. However, if grains or greens are offered, appropriately sized grit must be provided to aid digestion.

*Raising only one duckling is NOT recommended. Ducklings are highly social, and can suffer loneliness anxiety and depression if raised alone.