Cold Ducklings?

[ShyanneW]

Hi all!
Let me get this right out of the way: I don’t know what I’m doing, this is my first time being a duck mama, please help me!

I did all the research I could on ducks and duck breeds, and settled on Pekin ducklings for my first ducks!

I currently have three, and plan to get a few more in the coming weeks.

My sweet yellow fluff butts are all I hoped they would be, and more! This is their second day with me, and they are all huddling together for most of the day. They peep and chirp, eat their food and drink, but any time I check on them, they’re always huddled like in the picture I attached.

I’m not sure if they’re cold or if this is just their happy place? They’re not huddled under the heat lamp, they’re towards the middle of the brooder, so that’s why I’m curious?

Thank you in advance,
Signed,
A very anxious first time duck mama

 

[Jpat]

They love cuddling so its normal to an extent, can you get a thermometer under the lamp?

 

[Isaac 0]

Mine like to cuddle even if there not cold, I think they would be under the heat lamp if they were cold. If they were cold they would start to shiver/huddle and their feathers would start to stick outwards.

Cute Babies!

 

[ShyanneW]

Mine like to cuddle even if there not cold, I think they would be under the heat lamp if they were cold. If they were cold they would start to shiver/huddle and their feathers would start to stick outwards.

Cute Babies!

That’s kind of what I thought (that if they were cold they would be under the lamp). No shivering or anything so I’m hoping they’re alright! Thank you!

 

[ShyanneW]

They love cuddling so its normal to an extent, can you get a thermometer under the lamp?

There’s a thermometer in there, and it’s around 75° which I’ve read is normal for these guys/their age. As the comment below states, they’re not under the heat lamp so I think they may just be snuggling? Thank you both for easing the anxiety!

 

[Jpat]

when i had pekin ducklings i couldnt beleive how fast they weaned off heat, way faster than other breeds

 

[ShyanneW]

when i had pekin ducklings i couldnt beleive how fast they weaned off heat, way faster than other breeds

Yeah, it’s incredible! This is my first time with them but I’ve been taking their cues on the heat, and for the most part they opt to be on the opposite end of the brooder so I’ve been removing the heat slowly.

 

[Miss Lydia]

That doesn’t mean take the heat away just keep track of the temps. They sure are precious.

 

[ShyanneW]

That doesn’t mean take the heat away just keep track of the temps. They sure are precious.

I should add that I’ve been taking the heat away gradually, as suggested, but also using their cues!

 

[Isaac 0]

I should add that I’ve been taking the heat away gradually, as suggested, but also using their cues! ☺

Fill free to post some more pictures of the little guys!