Baby ducklings too warm?

[tia]

It looks like a good set up. I agree that the lid might be a problem. When they are that small do you even need a lid? I didn't use a lid on mine, but the sides were tall enough that they could not get out, and nothing was around that could get in. You might need one later when they get bigger, but I agree wire all the way across would be better. Don't worry about being too concerned - if you are like me there is so much I don't know, I have learned so much in the last year. You are just a responsible duck owner.

 

[dot n'dave]

Maybe you can use an old window screen on top.

 

[xke4]

They should be fine with all your excellent care! Sounds like you have the perfect set up now. This works well UNLESS you have Wood Duck Ducklings. The darn things are capable and will jump over the side. Remember to raise your light up a bit each week. There is only one thing I add to your set up when I am raising my duckies and it sounds to me like you are as enthralled with the whole procedure like I am and might be interested.....and that would be a feather duster taped to the corner. They think its Mom and like to hide underneath. I'll try and find you a picture.

 

[dumb_cluck]

I have raised 6 Mallards from ducklings and never needed a heat lamp. I used a cardboard box as a brooder and hay/straw for bedding. They were kept in the house (Early June) until end of July. Between their own body temps and the temp of the house, they were just fine.

I think too much emphasis on heat lamps cause more problems for duckling owners than needs to be. Just my humble opinion.

Read about them here: http://www.thebigskyranch.com/mallard_family.htm

 

[xke4]

My air con is set to 70 in the summer so opting out of a heat lamp is not an option for me. I usually start receiving orphaned ducklings around the first of May and at that time, my house heat is set to 68 so again, not an option. Of the hundreds that I have received and rehabbed, the only time I have ever lost a Mallard has been from an obvious congenital abnormality or once when one arrived severely hypothermic. They are indeed a hardy bunch. Wood Ducks, now that is another story!