HELP!!!!! Pekin duck owners out of town and there are 3 new baby ducklings

[puffluna]

They are outside and mom isn't in the nest with them when I went over at 9PM. They are all together but I'm worried. It's 80 degrees but I'm more worried about them getting eaten by a cat or other wild animal. Is this normal? How are they protected?

 

[Amiga]

They need to be kept where predators cannot get at them.

Is there no night shelter for the ducks?
@puffluna
@Debs Flock
@needlessjunk
@Miss Lydia


Can you bring them all in to where it is safe? You can always clean up in the morning. Ducklings need to be at about 90F, but 80 to 85F may be okay, if there's no draft.

 

[puffluna]

There's a small hutch that 3 adult ducks squeeze into. I didn't want the chicks in there since I was worried they would get trampled. Do I just need to go get the chicks and bring them home? Can I do that for a few days and then take them back on the weekend? I just don't know what to do and I'm so scared that they will be dead in the morning.

Will the mom sit on them overnight? The nest was out in the open when the owners left so they've been OK so far...

 

[Amiga]

Oh, boy.

@puffluna

this is not ideal.

The nest needs to be inside a covered fence or shelter to be safe.

You are right - the ducklings could get trampled to death by morning. Bring them in, keep them warm enough (I would use a thermometer to be sure). Set out a little water - if they have just hatched, they won't need food overnight, but will some time tomorrow.

An old towel will be fine for bedding for tonight, and a box in a room where they won't be touched by anyone or anything overnight (when I was younger, a young cousin let the dog into my room, and it killed my ducklings, so I know anything can happen if you are not really careful).

If the mom and the rest of the ducks can be in a safe shelter, I'd consider actually nabbing the rest of the eggs and keeping them warm overnight, also. Yes, I would. Glad you thought to ask about this. You are in a rough spot, and doing your best.

 

[Amiga]

@Amykins any supportive thoughts for a sticky situation? This is the duck sitter reaching out for help.

@WVduckchick

@needlessjunk

@Debs Flock

@Eggcessive

 

[needlessjunk]

Eek, that is hard. I would grab mom, the new ones and any possible hatching eggs But I have never hatched anything.

 

[Tevyes Dad]

If you can get them unmedicated chick starter, that would be best. If it is not possible, a small amount of the ducks' food (assuming dry pellets of some kind) could be chopped in a blender to make 'ling sized crumbles for a day or two, but they really should get their own food when possible. Is there a way to contact the owners? I can't imagine leaving my duckies behind without my duck sitter having my number and at least two contingency numbers. Keep an eye on them. It is normal for them to cuddle up, but if they are climbing over each other trying to get to the center of the pile, they are too cold.

 

[Amiga]

Thank you both, @needlessjunk and @gentila ! What a predicament!

It's tomorrow here, I need to turn in. Hope the OP has good news in the morning.

 

[puffluna]

Thank you all for your help!!! I will go back today with the hopes of seeing all 3 babies. I will buy some food and bring them home tonight and try to keep them safe. The owners knew about the nest but assumed that the eggs wouldn't hatch since the other time this happened Mom didn't keep the eggs warm and they never hatched. This time Mom did a better job.

 

[WVduckchick]

I sure hope mom protected them overnight. When will the owners be back? If they made it through the night, they could be ok to leave with her, but food would be good. How cold does it get overnight? Keep us posted please!

And pics of newborn ducklings are my favorite... Hint, hint...