Do I intervene... 2 Day Old Ducklings

[Chickie Mama]

We have domesticated mallards. Two of the females decided to co-nest in a nesting box together... together they hatched somewhere around 10 ducklings. The nesting boxes are old dresser drawers with shavings in them. I'm wondering if the ducklings will be able to get out of the box to eat and drink. The babies are 2 days old today. So far they have been staying with their very protective Mamas. I do not want to anger the mother ducks by moving them or handling their ducklings, but I also do not want to starve or dehydrate the babies either. Will the mothers take care of everything, or do I need to intervene. I’m not sure what I am supposed to do. I’d appreciate some guidance. THANKS!

 

[sumi]

Wait until the moms get up and move away from the box. The ducklings will follow them and you will know then if they can or cannot get in and out. If they can't get out give them a hand and use their absence from the drawers to make a little modification, just a little step on the outside and inside will do.

 

[Chickie Mama]

Oh that is an idea. I'll slip a brick inside and another on the other side, so they can get back in. So simple. Why didn't I think of that. I guess I'm experiencing a little new mama panic. : ) Thanks so much for helping me get my brain working again.

 

[sumi]

It happens LOL Enjoy your beautiful ducklings!

 

[Chickie Mama]

When I got home yesterday I discovered that one of the Mamas took her 5 ducklings to the pond.
(The other 5 stayed with the other mother in the nest.)



So apparently they were able to get out... I made some steps for them to get back in though.



When they came in that evening, (I did not have my camera on me) the babies hopped up the steps and jumped into the box with the other mother and Mom hopped in after them. It was very cute.