Ducklings Feeding After Hatching

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Not the most experienced here but we just hatched 10 ducklings and 17 chicks together in our incubator this past sunday and monday. We took them out afer one day old and put them under a heat lamp and stuck all their beaks in the food and water when we placed them. So far everyone is well, eating and drinking fine.
 
ducks can go up to 36 hours with out food or water after the hatch. don't be alarmed if they don't eat right away..after they hatch they rest. Normally they eat on their own. just put food and water in..make sure the water isn't too deep or they'll drown. I dip their beak in the water if they don't drink for a bit..and i put some food in my hand and they usually just eat. Unless they're wood ducks, or mandarin you shouldn't have a problem, the wild breeds are trickier to get to eat and you have to put call ducks with them sometimes to teach them to eat
 
If you are incubating them then you can remove them from the incubator as soon as they are fluffed up. It is MUCH better to get them eating early even though they can wait longer. Losses in shipping are usually due to lack of food/water. Because they don't have a mom to show them you will need to teach them to eat and drink. I'd probably wait until they are about 24 hours old as momma wouldn't normally come out of the nest with them until thenn and they will have a chance to rest. If they are really active, offer sooner.

Dip their bill in water and make sure that they tilt their head back and swallow. Check on them often to ensure they are drinking.

Make feed very easily available at first. Sprinkled on a paper towel usually works. I find dropping bits in front of them peaks their interest and they will pick up what they see.

If they are under a broody, just put food and water close by and she'll take care of it.
 
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thank you, yes they are in the incubator call duck eggs on day 16. I had.calls 18+ yes ago but this is my 1st time doing eggs. I'm very excited but nervous too about the hatch.
 
I am a first time hatcher. We have Pekins the first 2 that poked holes to come out are still in the eggs. Its been3 days now 2more have hatched great. I know i need to be patient but how do i know if i need to help a bit? And how do i help them?
 
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H mommaG I had the same problem with my khaki ducklings and no one on this forum bothered to answer me. I waited 2 days, I then intervened as they were malpositioned they never would of got out on their own. How did you get on with yours ?
 
Baxter123000 said:
H mommaG I had the same problem with my khaki ducklings and no one on this forum bothered to answer me. I waited 2 days, I then intervened as they were malpositioned they never would of got out on their own. How did you get on with yours ?
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So very sorry no one answered. Great you were able to help them hatch. Congrats!
 

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