Raising Baby Waterfowl: Tips for Success
by Manda H
Published March 28, 2025
Raising newly hatched goslings and ducklings is a little different than raising chicks. These differences are important to know as they can help you to succeed when raising your new fowl friends.
It is important to brood your waterfowl in a different brooder than your baby chicks. Waterfowl are more messy with their water, which can cause chicks to get wet and chilled. They also grow very quickly creating a concern that chicks can be smothered.
Basics of Waterfowl Care
Baby Ducklings and Goslings both need 95 degrees for their first week of life. It is important to keep them draft-free and provide them with stable temperatures.
Hydration
Waterfowl will make a mess when it comes to their water dishes. To limit the mess that can result in them getting chilled, you can reduce the access they have to water so that they can only get their heads in, but not splash around or try to swim.
It is very important to provide only warm drinking water to ducklings and goslings, especially when they are under a heat lamp. I have lost many baby waterfowl when I provided them with cold tap water. When they drink a lot quickly, the cold water can shock them with a sudden temperature change and may sometimes even be fatal.
Feed Needs
Waterfowl benefit from having access to feed that is specifically formulated for waterfowl. This feed contains Niacin, which is very important for strong healthy legs. If you do not have access to waterfowl starter, you can use regular chick starter, but you will need to supplement with Brewers Yeast.
Access to Swimming
A common misconception, when it comes to young waterfowl, is that they need access to water for swimming. It is extremely important that young waterfowl do not have access to areas for swimming. Waterfowl that are hatched out under their mamas have oil that transfers over to their baby fuzz, which provides a layer of water resistance. When hatched in an incubator, this transference of oil does not occur. When they get wet, the fuzz takes on the water, which generally chills them and can result in death.
By 8 weeks of age their preen gland will be functional. The Preen Gland is their oil gland. Once mature, it allows them to spread the oils along their body and to provide water resistance. The Preen Gland is located near the base of the tail.
It is very important to monitor your waterfowl while swimming because they can drown if they are unable to get out of the water. Until they are older it is still important to make sure that they do not access water that is super cold as it can still be a bit of a shock to their young growing nervous systems and can lead to the lowering of body temperature.
Waterfowl are Egg-Mazing!
Raising waterfowl is a rewarding experience. By utilizing this slightly special care, you can have an enjoyable experience and successfully raise your baby waterfowl.
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