How to Raise Ducklings in Cardboard Boxes

You can start to raise ducklings in cardboard boxes, although be aware that cardboard absorbs moisture and deteriorates within a few days. Therefore you will need to replace the cardboard box every day or two and dispose of the used one. Ducklings splash water to groom themselves, even if you have quart jars with starter trays for water to minimize water play. The bottom of the box quickly becomes soaked with water and waste. Ducklings also enjoy pecking at the sides of cardboard boxes, causing holes to form and making it a bit challenging to raise ducklings in cardboard boxes.

Things You'll Need

  • Large Cardboard Boxes
  • Lots of Newspaper
  • Duck and Goose Starter Feed
  • Small Chick Waterers
  • Wood Shavings or Sand for Bedding
  • Screen to Cover Top of Box
  • Heat Lamp
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Instructions

    • 1

      Line the bottom of the cardboard boxes with newspapers. You will need several layers of newspapers to prevent the bottom of the cardboard box from disintegrating.

    • 2

      Pour play sand, wood shavings or grit over the top of the newspapers for the ducklings to walk on and for added absorbency.

    • 3

      Place a waterer in one corner, the feeder in a different corner and the heat lamp toward the center of the cardboard box. This should help prevent the ducklings from piling up on one another, which occasionally results in suffocation.

    • 4

      Place a screen over the top of the cardboard box to protect your ducklings from escaping and from other pets. Ducklings need to be kept warm, so if they escape they can die. You can attach your heat lamp to the screen or set it on top of the screen but secure the cord to prevent it from falling off.

    • 5

      Transfer the ducklings to a clean cardboard box, already prepared when the current box becomes soiled. Roll the dirty newspaper and place in a bucket to dispose of it.

    • 6

      Take your ducklings outside to play and exercise when the weather is warm and sunny. Exercise helps to build strong legs and will keep the feathers and down in better condition.