Can one baby duck survive alone?

[MIKE555444]

I have never hatched a duck before... but a neighbor gave me about 10 eggs that they had planned to eat but decided they didn't like them. So either because they may have been in the fridge or they were not fertile there is only one that appears to be hatching. No other chicks to put it with. Can he survive with a heat lamp?

Is the ducks similar in needing heat like baby chicks?

When will they need more water than there watering can?

Thanks in advance...

 

[Kevin565]

I have never hatched a duck before... but a neighbor gave me about 10 eggs that they had planned to eat but decided they didn't like them. So either because they may have been in the fridge or they were not fertile there is only one that appears to be hatching. No other chicks to put it with.



Can he survive with a heat lamp?

Yes

Is the ducks similar in needing heat like baby chicks?

Yes but ducklings tend to grow quicker so need the lamp for less time

When will they need more water than there watering can?

At this age I would not advise swimming
Thanks in advance...

 

[Miss Lydia]

I'd like to Ad that your duckling is going to be very lonely and may be a problem down the road if it turns out to be a drake, for obvious reasons. So it would be alot better for everyone if you could find this lil one a friend.

 

[Mum]

I agree it may be lonely. However, it could survive, it may not thrive.

You say only one "appears" to be hatching? Do not give up hope yet then; sometimes they can hatch a day, or two, or even three apart.

Have you candled them to see how they are developing?

 

[MIKE555444]

Out of the 10 eggs I set... only 3 of them began to develop... a week ago it appears two of them still only seemed to have a small amount of development... Pretty sure this will be the only one to hatch.

It does seem that I have a hen hatching a few chicks right now. Maybe I can put them together for now(not with the hen of course). I have a neighbor that has a few grown ducks that free range about 200 yards from our property for long term companionship.

 

[faykokoWV]

Mike, if its a drake it will try to mate your chickens and it will be aggressive towards them. How far are you into incubation? If you're not too far along, why don't you see if the neighbor has more to toss in?

Also, they are having a monthly livestock sale in Buffalo (next to the gas station just after you cross the bridge)
This month's is June 30th from 4pm to 7pm. There may be ducks for sale there, someone brought Pekins the last couple of times.

 

[MIKE555444]

First this duck egg has been peeped for 24 hrs or so... with no new progress... Soooo we will see.

I was thinking after letting my kids enjoy the duckling, with the new chicks, I might just give it to my neighbor who has young ducks(assuming it hatches). I really don't have a desire to raise the ducks since I don't have a natural source of water but when someone gives me eggs... I have a hard time saying no

I am getting ready to embark in the adventure of making myself a refrigerator incubator for next year

I think I need more buildings LOL

 

[Miss Lydia]

First this duck egg has been peeped for 24 hrs or so... with no new progress... Soooo we will see.

I was thinking after letting my kids enjoy the duckling, with the new chicks, I might just give it to my neighbor who has young ducks(assuming it hatches). I really don't have a desire to raise the ducks since I don't have a natural source of water but when someone gives me eggs... I have a hard time saying no

I am getting ready to embark in the adventure of making myself a refrigerator incubator for next year

I think I need more buildings LOL

Like Mum said it can take as long as 3 days for ducklings to hatch so don't give up on this little one. I had one just hatch under my Muscovy duck and it took her 4 days total to hatch and i had to help it some because of being shrink wrapped.