Baby ducklings too warm?

[DillardHome]

I just received my baby Rouens this past Monday, they were hatched last Sunday, Mar. 21. So they are just shy of their 1 week birthday. I have had their brooder temp a constant 90 degrees this whole week and they would sleep under it no problem, and then scatter throughout when they are eating, drinking and playing. All the right signs where displayed that they were comfortable. However today they started sleeping in the middle of the brooder away from the heat, and one appeared to be panting which I know could be a sign of being too hot. The heat temp has not changed from the consistent 90 degrees it has been. Do you think they are ready to have their heat lowered? Maybe 5 degrees? I know their body language will let me know but I want to be sure since this is my first time. I have read ducklings grow quicker than chicks so does this include a quicker temp change as well?

Thanks for your help

 

[slackwater]

Just make sure that there is a temp gradient in the brooder. THe whole thing should not be 90degrees. The ducklings will find a spot that fits them, temp-wise, if there is a range of temps. That way they will adjust themselves if they get too hot or too cold.

 

[DillardHome]

Quote:
Thanks for your reply

I only have the heat light pointing down on one end of the brooder. The opposite end doesn't and that's where I keep their water & food. The below pics were taken earlier today before they changed their sleeping arrangements. They seem fine whn their up and about, it's just when their sleeping that seem too warm.

Am I just being a worry wart??

 

[4-H chicken mom]

They probably don't need that towel to sleep on anymore. I think they got use to sleeping in the towel and now it raises them closer to the light. If they like the towel just raise the light up.

 

[Amiga]

I think you are being responsible, not being a worry-wart. Good for you!!!

A few of my ducklings will sit where it is too hot, perhaps because that is their spot, who knows??

But generally, I have lowered the temperatures from 90 about 5 degrees a week, with a variety of temps throughout the brooder. Whenever I lower the temperature, either because it is about time or the ducklings are panting (again, they COULD just move a foot away, but NOOO), I make the change, and come back in half an hour to check. That is pretty much my approach - change, check, change, check.

Same for different feeders, waterers, bedding, and so forth.

Speaking of bedding and waterers . . . .

time to go

 

[xke4]

I think I see your problem. I think that the solid lid side might be trapping too much heat, thereby not allowing for a "cool down"area. I only ever use a light receiving blanket clothes pinned to the one end of my rubber totes because I think that this allows some heat to escape. Just my two cents worth. Perhaps if you drill a couple of holes in the lid enough heat will escape. I see that you have their "bed" under the lamp and the water and food at the end that should be cooler. Perfect!

 

[DillardHome]

A BIG THANK YOU TO YOU ALL!!!

 

[coolchickens]

In looking at your brooder, I would worry a little about the ventilation in it. Seems like with all plastic around it plus over most of the top that would create a steam sauna for them with way too much humidity for their little lungs. Is it staying pretty dry in there as I know my little ducklings, now 2 wks old, tend to get everything wet even with a plastic tray under the waterer. I read on a thread here that the plastic tubs get much hotter with less circulation so you have to be careful. I used a large cage with towels around the sides and the upper sides and top open with heat lamp the first wk. Now they have been in a playpen with heat lamp at one end but they seem to stay much warmer than chicks do. Mine run around theplay pen all over and only in evening lay somewhat near the heat lamp. My temp at night drops to 75 deg. and the day its running 82-85 deg. (this is in my den), not outside). They seem okay with that, active and not huddling around cold. Sometimes I think we keep the temp so constant, unlike nature, that its hard for them to adjust down the line and they are more prone to illness, drafts, etc. That's just my opinion. My outside ones I notice run all over in the cool air, and get under mom only when they feel chilly and that's from day 2 of life. All healthy, never lost one yet. Sharon

 

[DillardHome]

Quote:
I removed the lid for now and I am trying your suggestion on the receiving blanket. DH is going to cut a few holes in the lid for me

Thank you.

 

[TheNewMrsEvans]

I have definitely noticed the ducklings spend less time under the light than the chicks of the same age do. I think they have better insulation

I made a box like that, but mine has the entire lid with wire all the way to the ridge around the edge...it stays toastier in the bin than in cages, but you know how to watch their behavior and change the light level.