Call ducklings dying randomly

[Ravynscroft]

Oh, i looked up how many ounces were in a cup and went by that (2oz=1/4cup). Either way, it worked!!! I noticed my crested Pekin was slowing down and acting like it was going to die but after giving them the water she's running around again!

 

[shawluvsbirds]

Great news!

 

[learycow]

Call ducklings are tiny and much more sensitive than other larger breeds of ducks. Even though some hatcheries do ship them, they really shouldn't be shipped as day olds.

They likely got chilled and stressed from traveling and not eating (I know they say the yolk can sustain them for a couple of days after hatching, but they really need to know how to eat and get bigger to gain strength before going through something as stressful as shipping). It's actually quite common to lose them one by one like that after getting shipped, even if they only spent one day actually traveling.

For the future (and this goes for any babies you get shipped) pick them up from the post office ASAP! Don't make them wait!
Have electrolytes in water with you and a small container so you can dip beaks or give it to them as soon as you open the box (but don't let them get soaked in it). Bring crushed watermelon and mashed hard boiled eggs too for them to pick at. It will help make them more energetic as they get some calories into their system.
And keep them warm! Not too hot (don't put them directly under the vent in your car). If you aren't too far from the PO, a couple waterbottles filled with hot water, wrapped in towels and turn on your heated car seats if you have them. This will help get them cozy warm. Remember, being cold uses up a lot of their energy. So if they are weak to begin with, that energy gets wasted on trying to stay warm, hence why they won't eat or drink.
And have your brooder ready for them when you get home! The longer they are away from heat, water, and food, the higher chances are of them getting chilled and weak. So have everything ready, brooder pre-warmed, and food laid down so they can pick away and find everything easily as soon as you get home and put them in it!

 

[casportpony]

Call ducklings are tiny and much more sensitive than other larger breeds of ducks. Even though some hatcheries do ship them, they really shouldn't be shipped as day olds.

They likely got chilled and stressed from traveling and not eating (I know they say the yolk can sustain them for a couple of days after hatching, but they really need to know how to eat and get bigger to gain strength before going through something as stressful as shipping). It's actually quite common to lose them one by one like that after getting shipped, even if they only spent one day actually traveling.

For the future (and this goes for any babies you get shipped) pick them up from the post office ASAP! Don't make them wait!
Have electrolytes in water with you and a small container so you can dip beaks or give it to them as soon as you open the box (but don't let them get soaked in it). Bring crushed watermelon and mashed hard boiled eggs too for them to pick at. It will help make them more energetic as they get some calories into their system.
And keep them warm! Not too hot (don't put them directly under the vent in your car). If you aren't too far from the PO, a couple waterbottles filled with hot water, wrapped in towels and turn on your heated car seats if you have them. This will help get them cozy warm. Remember, being cold uses up a lot of their energy. So if they are weak to begin with, that energy gets wasted on trying to stay warm, hence why they won't eat or drink.
And have your brooder ready for them when you get home! The longer they are away from heat, water, and food, the higher chances are of them getting chilled and weak. So have everything ready, brooder pre-warmed, and food laid down so they can pick away and find everything easily as soon as you get home and put them in it!

 

[casportpony]

Just give each a couple drops straight and then a couple drops of plain water to wash it down... that should give them a good boost...

For their water, just add drops while mixing the water until it looks like weak tea...

 

[toxicworlda]

So I don't know if I should make a new post about this or not but I'm having a problem with introducing 2 month old rouens to my Swedish drake. The runner hens are fine with them but when I let out my Swedish he starts chasing the Rouen girl and tries to mount her. Should I just let him or should I do something about it? He doesn't bother my Rouen boy, just the girl.

I will definitely take your advice next time I get shipped calls, learycow. Would I be better off buying hatching eggs? Are they harder to hatch than normal sized duck eggs?

 

[Ravynscroft]

So I don't know if I should make a new post about this or not but I'm having a problem with introducing 2 month old rouens to my Swedish drake. The runner hens are fine with them but when I let out my Swedish he starts chasing the Rouen girl and tries to mount her. Should I just let him or should I do something about it? He doesn't bother my Rouen boy, just the girl.

I will definitely take your advice next time I get shipped calls, learycow. Would I be better off buying hatching eggs? Are they harder to hatch than normal sized duck eggs?

Don't let him mount the 2 month old, she could get seriously injured... I would keep him separated for quite a while and let the young ones integrate with the girls since they're doing well together...

And yes, Call eggs are much harder to hatch than regular duck eggs, especially shipped...

 

[learycow]

So I don't know if I should make a new post about this or not but I'm having a problem with introducing 2 month old rouens to my Swedish drake. The runner hens are fine with them but when I let out my Swedish he starts chasing the Rouen girl and tries to mount her. Should I just let him or should I do something about it? He doesn't bother my Rouen boy, just the girl.

I will definitely take your advice next time I get shipped calls, learycow. Would I be better off buying hatching eggs? Are they harder to hatch than normal sized duck eggs?

They are tougher to hatch, yes. A lot of people struggle with them.
I would suggest waiting until the end of summer, start of fall and buy juveniles or adults! They ship much better and unlike eggs, you are guaranteed some birds!

 

[toxicworlda]

They are tougher to hatch, yes. A lot of people struggle with them.
I would suggest waiting until the end of summer, start of fall and buy juveniles or adults! They ship much better and unlike eggs, you are guaranteed some birds!

Ya but juveniles or adults might not be as tame as baby's I raise myself since I don't know how they were treated when they were little. Also I would miss out on their "ducklinghood". so if possible I would rather get baby's or eggs even if it might be a challenge to hatch or raise the little ones.
Thanks for the suggestion though.