Baby ducks not eating

[Meggan Excalibur Fletcher]

one of my babies already dies and I think the newest one isn't eating. I don't know how to tell if they are. and if I should be force feeding them or even what I should be feeding them

 

[cheezenkwackers]

How old are they? If they are newly hatched they live off of the remains of the yolk and do not need food for the first couple of days. This is why they are shipped at a day old and three day olds are sold at the store. It doesn't mean you shouldn't be feeding though. I feed mine non-medicated chick starter crumbles. When they are only a few days old I wet the food with water so it is easier for them. I put the food in a small container, like a jar lid. Some recommend gently touching each babies bill to the food and water to "show" it to them. They need water available at all times!

 

[Meggan Excalibur Fletcher]

The one that died was about three days old. I don't know how he died. I have two babies right now and I'm afraid they won't live because they don't know how to eat. I have crumble and water right next to the mom, they haven't left her.

 

[chicks are life]

Feel were there crop is you can tell if there is food its right below theatre neck.

 

[Ducktown]

Mine has started eating like the first second he got out. He started snapping at flies that landed in the brooder. I think he was not even completely dry and puffed up. I gave him starter crumbs and water and he instinctively started eating and drinking. I've had another duckling that was seriously sick. S/He never started eating or drinking and died in a few days. Ha have had yolk sack infection.

 

[Meggan Excalibur Fletcher]

I know this isn't related to food but I have three eggs that don't even have a crack in them, should I be worried?

 

[Ducktown]

Some can take longer to hatch. Leave them for a while, can you check if they move? My eggs were moving a lot the last days. Well, they were moving around day 20 and then they stopped completely and started again right before hatching.

 

[cheezenkwackers]

I know this isn't related to food but I have three eggs that don't even have a crack in them, should I be worried?

You can try water candleing. It is where you float the egg in warm (99 degrees F) water to see if their is movement. No ripples on the water means not alive. I would just leave them. I would think mother duck would know.
I was thinking about your babies. One of my books suggest putting grass clumps in the brooder so the babies can nibble on the grass and get a little grit in their crops. I wonder if putting some grass clumps near them would help encourage them to eat? Seems like it wouldn't hurt.

 

[chickens really]

I provide wet soupy food for the Ducklings...Check the eggs to see if they are even going to hatch?

 

[Micah Byers]

I provide wet soupy food for the Ducklings...Check the eggs to see if they are even going to hatch?

thank you very much they are eating now