Ducklings escaped in cold

[Jon_Dong]

Hi all,

I was cleaning my Indian runner ducklings out in the garage and underestimated them. They managed to tip the bucket over they were in and leg it into the hedge in the back garden. Usually I wouldn't mind but they are only 2.5 weeks old and its -1 Celsius. Will they be OK with the cold?

I've also notice the neighbors cat sniffing about so I need to get them in before night comes. I can't fend it off all night.

I can see all 4 of them in the hedge but can't get them out.

 

[chonsey]

Do you have anyone to help you flush them out of the hedge? You could try using a towel to drop over them and then grab them.

 

[Jon_Dong]

It happened before with some other ones I had. If you spook them, they get stuck between the branches and pretty much trap themselves and they you really can't do anything.

Unfortunately, there isn't anyone to help me.

I put some water out for them but that already froze! I can see them all huddled together but haven't been able to tempt them out.

 

[CayugaJana]

I sure hope they change their minds soon. I would be worried like you. They don’t have much in the way of insulation yet. Have any mealworms? I’d make a trail leading out with them..... I sure hope they turn out ok.

 

[Jon_Dong]

I sure hope they change their minds soon. I would be worried like you. They don’t have much in the way of insulation yet. Have any mealworms? I’d make a trail leading out with them..... I sure hope they turn out ok.

No meal worms, I can see they are freezing but they are daft and are just curled up. It will be dark soon and I doubt they would last the night. All I can do is leave the garage open and see if they work it out.

 

[Miss Lydia]

What about a long stick and maybe gently poking one by one and catching them as they come out? at your temps I doubt they will make it through the night and then the preds.

 

[Jon_Dong]

Got them out!!! Thanks for the help

 

[Miss Lydia]

Awesome are they all okay?

 

[Jon_Dong]

Awesome are they all okay?

They are all fine. They had a wonder around and the cold didn't seem to be bothering them. I scooped them up and they are back in the brooder.

 

[Miss Lydia]

How adorable I love my lil Runner slim ones.