Ducklings

[kmk05]

Hi I am at a loss as to what I should do.

My Call duck had 6 of the cutest wee ducklings. Yesterday (2 days old) I noticed one had died, it was the smallest so thought it just have been weak and that was the reason. I went up 30 mins later and a further duckling was lying dead. This was a very strong lively duckling so I knew something was up and removed the remaining 4. The drake is in the enclosure so I figured it was possibly him that killed them, as I know this can happen.

They are currently doing well and are under a heat lamp in my house. I have 2 further call ducks within the enclosure sitting in eggs so we have come to the decision to remove the drake for the safety of the ducklings about to hatch.

My question is would it be ok to put the 4 wee ducklings I removed back with their mother? Also is it possible the mother killed them?? I am kind of feeling lost as to what to do for the best. I do not want anything to happen to the remaining 4 wee spuds.

Help

 

[Miss Lydia]

Remove the drake and place the ducklings back and stay close by in case you have to rescue them.

 

[kmk05]

Remove the drake and place the ducklings back and stay close by in case you have to rescue them.

Thank you Linda I appreciate your advice and shall try tomorrow. Please God all goes well for the wee babies x

 

[Miss Lydia]

Is she is sitting and brooding that is the big question? if she isn't she will not see these ducklings as hers.

 

[Jobean22]

I just hatched a baby duckling that had a harmed leg. After a couple hours they are fine and walking around great now. I do not know the gender yet, for it is only one day old. It’s name is Pebbles and has imprinted on me. I don’t know much any tips will help. Things I would like to know: What toys do they like? What happens if I give it medicated chick starter? What tubs for first swim do you recommend? How do I tell the sex? Can I only raise one or do I need multiple? How do I build a duck swing? When can i give them a kiddie pool? How do I get the poop of it’s bum? And lastly, what feed and waters do you recommend

 

[Percipen]

I just hatched a baby duckling that had a harmed leg. After a couple hours they are fine and walking around great now. I do not know the gender yet, for it is only one day old. It’s name is Pebbles and has imprinted on me. I don’t know much any tips will help. Things I would like to know: What toys do they like? What happens if I give it medicated chick starter? What tubs for first swim do you recommend? How do I tell the sex? Can I only raise one or do I need multiple? How do I build a duck swing? When can i give them a kiddie pool? How do I get the poop of it’s bum? And lastly, what feed and waters do you recommend

You might want to start a new thread with your questions. You'll likely get more responses that way. I can help with some here though:

NO medicated chick feed. A duck specific food is beat for them.

They can have tub time in lukewarm water. Supervised and only for a few minutes at a time. They can get cold pretty quick and can drown if they are in too long...they tire easily

You can't tell the sex until they are over 4 weeks. You will notice females start getting a louder quack sound and males get a softer raspy sound

It's better for the duck to have at least one other around. They are very social birds. Also, it's good to know your duck math: 1 drake per 4 females OR all females OR all drakes.

Ducks dont need swings or perches like chickens. They are happy laying on solid ground.

Mine go in and out of a kiddie pool when they have their normal feathers in (no more duckling fuzz on them). But up until that point theyll love their lukewarm bath time.

The baths should remove any dirt on their bottoms.

I feed mine purina duck pellets. A lot of duck owners recommend mazuri, but its a little pricier. And their water bowls should be deep enough for them to dip their entire bills into but not deep enough for them to swim. A shallow bowl should be good. They clean their nostrils underwater...it's essential for ducks to have water to blow their nostrils clean of debris

But yeah, you should get a lot more people jumping in if you start a new thread with your questions. Hopefully I helped a little. Good luck with your new duckie

 

[Jobean22]

thanks!