Good Morning folks!

[DuckNorrisdoesmotherhood]

I have a M/F Welsh harlequin duck pair and the mom just hatched her first brood of duckings on mother's day. Today was the first day she's taken them outside. Side note: these ducks are completely free range - no fence even for yard. We made a small "mud puddle" for the babies a few days ago as an easy option for mom to use, which they did today.

My concern is this: one duckling seems confused by what to do. They keep up with mom and the others. It got in the puddle with the others as well but he doesn't appear to eat or forage like the others. He just stands around and only moves when someone bumps him or mom moves. I've never had ducks before and could use some advice please. Thank you so much!

 

[DuckGirl77]

Welcome to BYC! Is he eating at all now, I know this was a few days ago?
If his behavior still seems off, I would suggest posting a video to clarify how he's acting different.

 

[DuckNorrisdoesmotherhood]

Thanks for checking in with me. Sadly, the duckling died later that day. I did try to post a video two times but was unsuccessful. Mom has 8 left and they are seem to be getting on really well and putting on weight.

 

[DuckGirl77]

Oh no, very sorry to hear that! Glad the others are ok

 

[Miss Lydia]

Sorry for your loss

 

[DuckyDonna]

They were probably too young to be in a mud puddle for one thing.

Thanks for checking in with me. Sadly, the duckling died later that day. I did try to post a video two times but was unsuccessful. Mom has 8 left and they are seem to be getting on really well and putting on weight.

So sorry about your little one.

Just an FYI, if you want to post a video on here you've first got to load it to YouTube or Vimeo and then copy and paste the link here.