[bantam novice]

Well I have extended my flock now.   My aunt and I bought some call duckling eggs at a poultry auction and they went under a broody silkie.  She has now hatched out 8 of  the 12 and there is one that hasn't yet started pipping that we are going to leave for a little longer.

We have a paint roller tray filled with water for the little ducklings when they are ready to try.  I read different things about when they should be introduced to water if they have not been hatched out under a mother duck.  One friend says she lets them swim from day one others say you need to leave it for a week untill the ducklings have covered their feathers with oil.  What do people here think?

They are being fed on chick crumbs and the second part of my post is about their food.  I understand that chick crumbs will do for ducklings and have got them ready.  Do people think I need to get specialised water fowl chick crumbs?

[joyfull]

is your chick crumb medicated or not?

[bantam novice]

not medicated

[Sassy]

Personally I would wait until feathers oiled. As they are not waterproof they are likely to become waterlogged and may drown. 

[Sassy]

Personally I would wait until feathers oiled. As they are not waterproof they are likely to become waterlogged and may drown. 

[bantam novice]

Thank you for those replies.  The ducklings are so sweet and I managed to take a pic today

[Sassy]

I'm jealous! Do be aware that the hen will be quite upset on their first foray into water, it goes against all instinct for chooks.

[Mum2mj]

I want some!!! 

[Snoop]

Cute!