We have lost ducklings that get to cold. I put them in the nesting box of the coop in nicer weather and bring them in at night. I also make sure that they always have water... usually a bowl they can get into to swim, even inside.
I don't Agree that they are good Mother's. Mine just tried to peck this chick in it's head. She is our only one left. She is not very friendly or cuddly. They appear smarter than Rhode Island Reds, though. The Barreds are more trainable, though stubborn birds. 2 of my favorites were recently...
We got some Reds and Barreds to start 3 yrs ago. We have 4 boys and prefer to live off our land. We have currently had a tragic innocident with preditors. So, we have 4 Rhode Island Red Chicks.
My kids want to cuddle. They don't like it. They get more cuddles from our female duck we raised from...