duckling question!!!

[stumble_n_mumble]

i will have one duckling for about 1 week until the others hatch... i know its going to be loud and needs company but i think one week wont be terrible lol. so i wanted to know... can i use a heating pad for just him? or just stick to the heat lamp? thanks!

 

[duckyfromoz]

I have used a hot water bottle for extra warmth in the past I put it just to the side of the heat lamp...As well as putting a small stuffed toy for mute company as well. 1 week isnt too long- Lots of cuddles and attention will help your duckling be not so lonely while you wait for the others to hatch.

 

[Amiga]

Does a mirror help?

 

[dumb_cluck]

I inherited a 5 day old duckling late November 2009. All I did was keep hum in the house and pick him up once in a while and put him in my shirt. He usually fell asleep quickly because of my body heat and pulse.

This will be imprinting him to humans, but if you are expecting more ducklings soon, he should associate well with the others. Keep an eye on them, however, because he will be a bit bigger than they are.

Here's my link: http://www.thebigskyranch.com/skittles.htm

 

[duckyfromoz]

I actually just tried something with my lone little Silkie chick over the weekend. It has a stuffed ostrich toy in the brooder with it.. And I was playing with the little tacker.. I picked up the toy which had long dangling legs...Chicken was walkinh around the toy- in and out its legs and following it around the brooder - SO i thought that maybe if I was to suspend the toy in the brooder so the legs hung down- the chicken would be happier that with the toy sitting stationary in a corner. Well it worked. I put a wire coat hanger over the brooder- hooked the ostriches face over the coathanger...And now little lone chick has a constant standing companion.

I will upload a pic after work today.

 

[L0rraine]

Can't wait for the pic!!!

 

[duckyfromoz]

Its actually quite cute too..I took a few last night with the chick standing between " mommas" legs. Should have brought my memory card to work.... Silly me.

 

[duckyfromoz]

Chicken much prefers his friend now it is standing up.