Are my ducks in a row?

Image Source

Quiz Questions

1.
What should you do when your ducklings first arrive?
- A.
  Play with them and let them run around with my other animals and children.
- B.
  Immediately put them into their warm dry brooder so that they can have some time to eat, drink, and relax after their shipping journey.
- C.
  Let them go swimming!
2.
Do you have a safe, draft-free space ready for ducklings to live in when they arrive?
- A.
  Yes, I’ve got a warm, dry brooder set up with a heat source, starter feed, clean drinking water, and enough shavings for 2 inches in the brooder.
- B.
  I have a space, but it needs a little work.
- C.
  Not yet, but I plan to figure it out when they get here.
- D.
  Can't they just go outside?
3.
How much space should I have for my ducks?
- A.
  Ducklings up to 3 weeks old need 1 square foot per duckling and a minimum of 5 square feet for small groups (ie. 4 ducklings). From 4-8 weeks, each duckling needs about 3 square feet per bird and a minimum of 16 square feet of space.
- B.
  Well, I have this box that they should all fit in, so I'll use that until they're too big.
- C.
  I was going to put them in the outside coop with my adult ducks.
4.
Ducklings can’t regulate body temperature. Do you have a heat lamp or brooder plate ready?
- A.
  Yep, already set!
- B.
  I’ll get one soon.
- C.
  Uh… do they really need that?
5.
What temperature should the brooder be when you get your day-old birds?
- A.
  100 degrees and drop it by 10 degrees every few days for the first two weeks.
- B.
  I don't plan on having a heat lamp since my house stays pretty warm.
- C.
  Start at 90-95 degrees and drop it 5 degrees every week. I can turn it off after 3-4 weeks when they are fully feathered. I made sure I have enough room on one side for them to move to where they can cool down if needed.
6.
How do you know if the temperature is correct?
- A.
  My temperature in my house should be fine, right?
- B.
  I’ll watch the ducklings—evenly spread out means they're comfortable, huddled together near the light means they need more heat, breathing with their mouth open or far from the heat means too hot.
- C.
  I'll guess by putting my hand near it to see if it's warm enough.
7.
What kind of feed will your ducklings need in their first weeks?
- A.
  I will either use starter crumble feed made for waterfowl or I will use chick starter feed supplemented with VitaMetz Waterfowl Boost for the added niacin.
- B.
  I'll just use regular chicken feed.
- C.
  I’m not sure yet, I haven't really looked into it.
8.
Ducklings love water, but hatchery babies aren’t waterproof for the first few weeks and can drown or get chilled. How will you provide safe water?
- A.
  I have a shallow waterer that I can elevate to shoulder height so they can drink but cannot climb in to get wet.
- B.
  I'll give them a little bowl of water and I’ll watch them when I can.
- C.
  I have a pond or kiddie pool they can start out in because I want to see them swim!!!
9.
How much time can you dedicate daily to caring for ducklings?
- A.
  I can check on them maybe once or twice a day.
- B.
  I have time to do multiple check-ins and care for them throughout the day.
- C.
  I’ll see them when I can.
10.
What’s your plan for when they’re fully grown ducks?
- A.
  I’ll figure it out later.
- B.
  I have space and housing ready for adult ducks. Since domestic ducks can't survive on their own, I know they shouldn't be released or left at a pond.
- C.
  I hadn’t thought that far ahead.
- D.
  I'm only interested in ducklings.
11.
Do you have a plan to protect your flock from predators (cats, dogs, raccoons, hawks, etc.)?
- A.
  Yes, my ducklings have secure, predator-proof housing and supervision.
- B.
  I haven't looked into that.
- C.
  Not really.
12.
Should you give your ducklings treats when they first arrive?
- A.
  Yes, treats are essential from day one.
- B.
  No, ducklings should only eat their starter feed at first. Treats can upset their digestion and prevent them from getting the balanced nutrition they need. You can start offering small, duckling safe treats around 2–3 weeks of age.
- C.
  Only salty or sugary treats – they help ducklings grow faster.

Quiz Outcomes

1.
Not Quite Ready to Hatch This Plan
It looks like you’ll want to do some extra planning before bringing ducklings home. No worries—that’s part of the fun! Take some time to set up a safe space, gather supplies, and think about their long-term care. Once you’re ready, those ducklings will thank you with happy peeps and wagging tails. Please read the guide below before you purchase your feathered friends!
2.
Not Quite Ready to Hatch This Plan
It looks like you’ll want to do some extra planning before bringing ducklings home. No worries—that’s part of the fun! Take some time to set up a safe space, gather supplies, and think about their long-term care. Once you’re ready, those ducklings will thank you with happy peeps and wagging tails. Please read the guide below before you purchase your feathered friends!
3.
Not Quite Ready to Hatch This Plan
It looks like you’ll want to do some extra planning before bringing ducklings home. No worries—that’s part of the fun! Take some time to set up a safe space, gather supplies, and think about their long-term care. Once you’re ready, those ducklings will thank you with happy peeps and wagging tails. Please read the guide below before you purchase your feathered friends!
4.
You're Almost Ready!
Don’t worry if your score wasn’t perfect! This quiz is just a starting point. Check out our guides and tips below to help you get fully prepared—your future ducklings will thank you!
5.
You’ve Got Your Ducks in a Row!
Congrats—you’re ready for ducklings! You’ve thought about housing, feed, warmth, and long-term care, which means your new little flock will be in good hands. Check below to see if there's a step you might be missing, but it sounds like you know what you're doing! All that’s left is the fun part: enjoying their peeps, wiggles, and splashes.