Help! Urgent! Ants in the incubator! Updated...duckling not absorbing yolk...

[sumi]

You can take them out. If you lift only one side of the lid the humidity won't drop too much as long as you're quick. Fingers crossed the goslings will give you an easier ride!

 

[jeepgirl13]

Yay! I'm happy your duckling made it! I've been having ants in my house too. I feel like I'm being invaded! I got some Borax, its in the laundry soap area at the store, and put a good thick line all the way around my house. They haven't been inside again yet, so I'm hoping it worked

 

[loopy12]

They are out now...and into the brooder. I needed to add an extra damp cloth for the geese anyway.
Nevermind ducklings imprinting on people, I think I've imprinted on them. Totally

I think I spent so much time watching him I've fallen in love, lol. I'll take a better photo later when they are properly fluffed. I think the blonde one most be the result of mummy mallard getting jiggy with a Muscovy.

I'm more relaxed about the goslings because they were my own eggs, young birds, fresh eggs that didn't travel, so they have a good chance. And if they don't hatch I'd be disappointed but not totally gutted because I can try again. Actually I'll be impressed because one had a spiderweb of cracks when it was collected but I sealed it with candle wax and 30 days later its still going strong...no bad smell or anything.
Anyway, these mallards were a gift and I don't know if I could get more. I had 6 eggs and only these two made it to lockdown.


Borax: yes...tried it...in powder form sprinkled everywhere...killed the ones it touched but they just sent in more troops.
Tried the borax/boric acid in sugar solution...and seemed to fuel a reproductive frenzy as they came back in even greater numbers.
One morning I woke up to see about 150 ants on the floor next to the bed - and that was just the ones I could see..there were more walking across the rug, congregated under the chest of drawers and pouring in the window. Gave me the heebie jeebies.
And there is nothing up there for them - we don't eat upstairs or take up any drinks other than water.

Anyway...back later for a final photo of my beautiful new babies...

 

[sumi]

I've heard of this imprinting thing they do, but I didn't realise how bad it is LOL. I hatched some ducklings for a friend and she collected them soon after they hatched. I didn't see them again for about 3 weeks and they recognised me! They were so exited to see me again

I could not believe it. They really are the most adorable little creatures and they are so loving. I'm planning on hatching some for myself soonish. Got a move coming up and then I need to find some fertile duck eggs.

Well, fingers crossed for the goslings anyway! And that you will get those ants under control. Have you tried Sevin dust?

 

[loopy12]

I love the imprinting, though I know you're supposed to discourage it. I had three Cayuga drakes at our previous house that I hatched. They were devoted - would follow me around the garden, even as adults. If I sat down they would all pile onto my lap and would eat peas out of my hand. I don't think I can get cayugas here unfortunately. My pekins never did that - they were very aloof ducks.

Ok, here we go,, final pictures, al fluffed up.
So new that after 2 minutes out of the brooder they nudged up under my daughter's skirt, both yawning and fell straight asleep. Totally adore them...

Two little fluffies:


Little fluffy butts disappearing under her skirt:


Little fluffies fall fast asleep...

 

[sumi]

Love love love the pics! They are gorgeous and I love that look on your DD's face too! My DS had such a lovely time with the ducklings. They adored him. I hatched pekins and they were really sweet actually. I don't know if I'll hatch some for myself for pets though.