- Jul 4, 2014
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Hi there!
I am completely new to this site and need some good advice
I came to look after2 rescued wild mallard ducklings approx. 2 weeks ago. Long story short...Their mother was apparently seen trying to cross a busy motorway with 4 of her ducklings :-\ I reckon they were maybe about a week old at that point. I offered to take care of the ducklings until they are a bit bigger and can go to a local wildlife sanctuary. I'm no stranger to animals or looking after them (I work in a vets) but wild ducklings are new to me.
Sadly one of the ducklings died very suddenly after a week, despite eating and drinking, he didn't seem to grow at all. Whereas his sibling had doubled in size. I did everything I could for them, kept them warm, dry, clean, with appropriate food and fresh water. Sadly for my little runt duckling it just wasn't meant to be.
I still have my remaining fiesty duckling who is still growing and thriving. She has been a bit lonely since her brothers passing, though a mirror has helped her a lot (she loves to talk to her reflection and run around playing beside it).
My query is... today I've moved her from her original big indoor box, to an outdoor hutch type coop my partner built. It has a section which is indoor and cosy, and a section which has a wire mesh front for her to lookout. It has a roof though so she is protected from rain, and I keep it under the patio by the kitchen (again protected from the elements). I have a heat pad and soft fluffy towels which I put in the nesting part of her bed where she can be warm.
I'm just petrified that I've put her outside too early (I reckon she is 3 weeks now)? She will be brought in at night for a while yet until she has feathers, I'm just worried of her being cold during the day? Am in over reacting? Since I lost my first duckling so unexpectedly I've been extra cautious with my remaining duckling.
I am completely new to this site and need some good advice
I came to look after2 rescued wild mallard ducklings approx. 2 weeks ago. Long story short...Their mother was apparently seen trying to cross a busy motorway with 4 of her ducklings :-\ I reckon they were maybe about a week old at that point. I offered to take care of the ducklings until they are a bit bigger and can go to a local wildlife sanctuary. I'm no stranger to animals or looking after them (I work in a vets) but wild ducklings are new to me.
Sadly one of the ducklings died very suddenly after a week, despite eating and drinking, he didn't seem to grow at all. Whereas his sibling had doubled in size. I did everything I could for them, kept them warm, dry, clean, with appropriate food and fresh water. Sadly for my little runt duckling it just wasn't meant to be.
I still have my remaining fiesty duckling who is still growing and thriving. She has been a bit lonely since her brothers passing, though a mirror has helped her a lot (she loves to talk to her reflection and run around playing beside it).
My query is... today I've moved her from her original big indoor box, to an outdoor hutch type coop my partner built. It has a section which is indoor and cosy, and a section which has a wire mesh front for her to lookout. It has a roof though so she is protected from rain, and I keep it under the patio by the kitchen (again protected from the elements). I have a heat pad and soft fluffy towels which I put in the nesting part of her bed where she can be warm.
I'm just petrified that I've put her outside too early (I reckon she is 3 weeks now)? She will be brought in at night for a while yet until she has feathers, I'm just worried of her being cold during the day? Am in over reacting? Since I lost my first duckling so unexpectedly I've been extra cautious with my remaining duckling.
