Duck under shed

[Gypsy52]

My littlest duck, bless it's heart, got separated from her family. They are only a week old. She's the smallest. I found her but she disappeared again. Mama and bros with sisters went into the coop this evening. Baby was missing again. I heard her peeping into the barn where they hang out. She went out, I followed then she ran under my tool shed. Did not come so I could get her in the coop. I'm hoping she will be ok without Mama's warmth. I live in Rocky Ford, CO. It still gets 90s during day, but 60s at nite. I couldn't reach her, there's only an inch space. Is she going to be Ok?

 

[ravenwillow86]

She will be ok with the weather unless it rains but your biggest worry will be wild life.

 

[Gypsy52]

We do have bull snakes here, but i havent seen any since July when i stomped on the one in the coop. My 2 acres is fenced so wildlife would have to work at it. That space is so small, only about an inch. I don't think she needs to worry about possums and foxes. I'm always up early. So ill take my coffee out and watch for her. I can't believe Mama didn't miss her. She's half as big as the others.. I think I'll put her in with the baby chicks, if I can catch her. Will she come out?

 

[chickens really]

She will come out....
Not wise to try and put it with that Hen and Chicks...That Momma Hen will kill it...Block off that hole it ran under...
Best wishes...

 

[gilbert2]

You can have faith that she will come out. She will, really. But as chickens really just said--it will be a bad scene if you do not segregate her. I guess this is a situation where special living arrangements must be made. After you close that escape hole, make her a new place that is separated from the rest. I always use a large rubber bowl (horse watering tub) that is about 2-1/2 feet in diameter. I put some chopped straw in the bottom, as bedding, and of course also the food bowl and water bowl. If you are worried about the cold, add a heat lamp. I live south of Pueblo, which is not so different from Rocky Ford, and all my ducks have always grown up just fine. Except then the fox got in.......and when a giant raven swooped in......and more.

Good luck!

 

[Gypsy52]

I found out too late to not put the baby back in the coop with Mom. She did seem to accept him. So tiny, It was lying by itself in a cornerit's my first set of ducklings, at his expense. I tried to rally it as it as still breathing. Maybe too many internal wounds. Another came up missing yesterday at lock up time. I found it, putmmit in with family, mom attacked it, I rescued him immediately. He's little too. I dont get it. They were all together and fine earlier. And i know it's not cause I touched it. What caused both times? How often do I need to feed it, he was eating on his own with the group. Can I put him with my baby chicks in the garden house. They are thriving out there?

 

[chickens really]

No, it will need a Brooder and warmth....wet feed to a soupy mix and bring in another Duckling for company....
I would bring in all Ducklings and care for them yourself ...Keep dry also out at all times and water deep enough to keep their nares and eyes clear...

 

[Gypsy52]

Good luck with getting the other ducklings, Mama attacks anything within 10 feet of em.
Ill kerp him him in then, hes doing ok right now..

 

[chickens really]

Lol.....Be assertive. Just go right at her and get her at the base of her neck and scoop her up football style..Pop her in a crate till you can catch a buddy for the lonely Duckling...

 

[jvls1942]

LOL how much do you weigh ?
how much does the duck weigh ?
who has the advantage ?
I agree, take all the ducklings away.
it appears that the duck is culling the smaller weaker ones. or they are just not following her on their own.