Ducks off heat at 4 days?

[Kraemer7]

I have 4 ducklings that hatched in our incubator 4-5 days ago. I have a heat plate in their brooder box and I often see them cuddling up on top of it instead of underneath. They look content- not chirping or anything. They can all get in/out by themselves. Does it mean it’s too low/hot? When they lay down under it doesn’t touch their heads. Thanks!

 

[Yardmom]

What temperature is it surrounding the brooder. They can get heat off the top as well. If they are content they are warm enough.

 

[HollowOfWisps]

Ducklings do not need constant heat, but only a place to warm themselves if they feel cold. Being out and about in the brooder is perfectly normal. However, if you are worried about the height what I do is set the back side low enough to touch their backs and then set the front higher so it provides ambient warmth without contact. This allows the ducklings to adjust their heat as needed.

 

[Kraemer7]

What temperature is it surrounding the brooder. They can get heat off the top as well. If they are content they are warm enough.

The room temp is 69. I raised it a little- see what happens.

 

[Kraemer7]

Ducklings do not need constant heat, but only a place to warm themselves if they feel cold. Being out and about in the brooder is perfectly normal. However, if you are worried about the height what I do is set the back side low enough to touch their backs and then set the front higher so it provides ambient warmth without contact. This allows the ducklings to adjust their heat as needed.

I’ll try that. Thanks!