4 day old ducklings sleeping on top of the warmer plate

[Mayfiel511]

Hi,
My 4 day old Pekins and Jumbo Pekins are sleeping on top of the brooder warming plate. They used to sleep under it (my 6 appleyards still are, they are also 4 days old, though smaller) do my bigger ducks just not need the heat? I have it angled for varying heights but they seem to now cuddle up there and I'm worried they will get cold. Any thoughts? Thanks

 

[PattyNH]

Mine did the same. They're just getting too big to be under it

 

[ChickNanny13]

They will go under when needed. My chicks do the same.

 

[Jpat]

Welcome to the forums!

So pekins seam to grow out of the heat way faster than other breeds, So its great that they have a cooler option anyway

I had moulards who cried for head untill they were 6 weeks old and i had pekins who panted and over heated at 3 weeks

 

[WannaBeHillBilly]

I was using a Momma Heat Cave for my spring ducklings this year and it took them less than a week to hop on top of it and enjoy the view and the warmth from below. Ducklings in nature not only sit under their moms, but also hop onto their backs. And warmth from below is so relaxing:

 

[DuckyDonna]

I was using a Momma Heat Cave for my spring ducklings this year and it took them less than a week to hop on top of it and enjoy the view and the warmth from below. Ducklings in nature not only sit under their moms, but also hop onto their backs. And warmth from below is so relaxing:

that picture quacks me up! That little one sprawled out like that enjoying the warmth!

 

[WannaBeHillBilly]

that picture quacks me up! That little one sprawled out like that enjoying the warmth!

I don't know if it is because of their black feathers, but on hot days the Magpie ducks still sit on the grass with both legs stretched out to the back. It may helps them to cool down. (?) They are the only ones to do this.

 

[Miss Lydia]

They sure know how to relax