karekare413
In the Brooder
- May 24, 2015
- 13
- 0
- 24
The mother either gave up or was scared off. It was cold (40*+) for two mornings & I thought for sure they would be dead. I called the local wildlife rehabilitator & she said the mother wasn't coming back & I coujd dispose of the eggs after a few days. She was kind & helpful but limited in advice because they are federally protected. I made a homemade incubator & hoped for the best. That was yesterday (5/23). Today, I hear chirping in the eggs & tonight three have started to crack. I knew when I candled them that they were pretty far along & I couldn't give up on them. Sure enough, at least 4 or 5 are moving inside the eggs. I went to a feed store & got a small waterer & feeder. I have a large box ready for their move when they're born. I have a light (it's in their incubator now) & a heating pad (also in the incubator right now). I have non-medicated duck crumbles ready to go. I've read advice on this site & others for days to prepare. But I still don't feel prepared. I'll call the rehabilitator when they're all born. I hope to keep them warm enough & away from my cats. But I have to return to work on Tuesday morning. I'll have to punch a lot of holes in the box & lock them in a room. QUESTION: should I keep the heating pad in the bottom of the plastic bin (towel under & on top so it doesn't overheat)? The light I have is ideal but can't be mounted above. I need to make sure they don't bump it because I have to mount it in the side & hope the plastic doesn't heat up. The light is encased with the front of the bulb exposed. I didn't want to pay a lot of money for a "house" & bulb if they aren't staying long. I'm looking for advice. What else do I need to know for the first 24/48 hrs of their lives??
Thanks!!
Thanks!!