Are my ducks supposed to be this hot?

[wtusa1718]

when I play with my 4 week old ducklings and they lay down on my I notice that they get so hot that it makes my shirt wet. Is this normal? Also, are harnesses safe for ducks? I have Rouen so could anyone give me somewhere to buy one big enough. Also, what are those little plastic things around a ducks ankle. Do I need some of those?

 

[Kendalle]

when I play with my 4 week old ducklings and they lay down on my I notice that they get so hot that it makes my shirt wet. Is this normal? Also, are harnesses safe for ducks? I have Rouen so could anyone give me somewhere to buy one big enough. Also, what are those little plastic things around a ducks ankle. Do I need some of those?

Are they panting? Ducks don't sweat really like we do, so the wet spot sounds like they were either playing in their water, or making you hot in that spot. I believe they keep their nest around 99 degrees so they are quite warm laying on you. I'm new to this so I'm sure others will have more/better information. Are the plastic things their ID band?

Where are you planning on walking your ducks? Keep in mind at parks and public spaces you can't always trust people will keep their dog on a leash or under control. I think they often will follow you around the yard leash free.

 

[Isaac 0]

when I play with my 4 week old ducklings and they lay down on my I notice that they get so hot that it makes my shirt wet. Is this normal? Also, are harnesses safe for ducks? I have Rouen so could anyone give me somewhere to buy one big enough. Also, what are those little plastic things around a ducks ankle. Do I need some of those?

What are you feeding them, and what is the temp in their brooder? Birds do not have sweat glands, to release heat they pant, the wet spots I assume is water from them bathing. Harnesses are fine if put on correctly, I wouldn't leave them on for a long period of time though. Leg bands are used for identification purposes, if you can tell yours apart there would be no need to put them on.

 

[wtusa1718]

What are you feeding them, and what is the temp in their brooder? Birds do not have sweat glands, to release heat they pant, the wet spots I assume is water from them bathing. Harnesses are fine if put on correctly, I wouldn't leave them on for a long period of time though. Leg bands are used for identification purposes, if you can tell yours apart there would be no need to put them on.

Ok thanks. They aren’t panting. I just noticed that their feet get really hot and then if they lay on my with their chest it becomes pretty hot.

 

[Isaac 0]

Ok thanks. They aren’t panting. I just noticed that their feet get really hot and then if they lay on my with their chest it becomes pretty hot.

What are you feeding them?

 

[wtusa1718]

Are they panting? Ducks don't sweat really like we do, so the wet spot sounds like they were either playing in their water, or making you hot in that spot. I believe they keep their nest around 99 degrees so they are quite warm laying on you. I'm new to this so I'm sure others will have more/better information. Are the plastic things their ID band?

Where are you planning on walking your ducks? Keep in mind at parks and public spaces you can't always trust people will keep their dog on a leash or under control. I think they often will follow you around the yard leash free.

I was thinking of walking the ducks around the neighborhood. I think it would be fun and if I did see a dog that wasn’t on a leash I would certainly pick them up

 

[wtusa1718]

What are you feeding them?

It’s some chick starter and I give them some mealworms and lettuce every once in a while. I’m almost out so I need to go to tsc. Any recommendations on what food is good that they would have?

 

[DuckyDonna]

If you only have ducks get the Purina Duck Pellets which has everything they need in it. You also might want to pick up some B-complex too which is very beneficial for them.