Help with Ducklings

[JohnSally]

Hi! One of our ducks has been sat on a nest in their enclosure for some time and this morning we have at least two gorgeous little ducklings! I have experience with raising chicks, both from artificial incubation and from broody hens, but these are our first ducklings! Obviously mum seems to be doing a great job so far but I have no idea what we should be doing now to help!! Is there 'duckling crumb'? Should we try to move mum and babies into a seperate pen - she made her nest in the long grass in the main pen and we've barracaded her in temporarily to keep her safe as obviously she wasn't going into their enclosure at night with the others but there is no roof so I'm worried about birds etc. And do you think we need to provide any extra heat?

Any advice would be really appreciated, thanks so much

Sal x

 

[jtn42248]

sounds like mom is doing a great job on her own. make certain she is as secure as possible. I would not introduce them to the rest of the ducks yet since the drake or other females may injure or kill them. Make sure mom has food and water. Put some grower crumbles out for the ducklings as well...mom may eat it as well with will be o.k. Keep your eyes on things and post pictures when you can. Lucky you and good luck.

 

[caesargirl]

Please make sure the water source is shallow enough for the smallest of the ducklings to get out of. (Personal experience) it can lead to tragedy. The duckling crumbles are excellent for momma duck at this time, they help recouperate from brooding. You can move momma and babies if you would like a more secure place for them. And definitely keep other ducks away, especially drakes. Good luck! (And feel free to share pics!!!)

 

[JohnSally]

Thanks so much to both of you! There's lots more now; I've tried to get photos but she's quite well hidden at the moment!! We have a little run that we use for our growing chicks to get them used to outside, but with a big enough box for mummy duck and her babies so I think we'll give her another day to make sure they have all hatched and then attempt to move her into there. We've had crows and magpies taking the duck eggs before now and there is no way to put a roof over the area she is in now so I think she'll be safer in the chick run and also the other ducks will be able to see her and the babies which should help with integration later! Thanks again - will post pics as soon as I can. S x

 

[caesargirl]

Congratulations!!!!!

 

[JohnSally]

Mum and babies happy in their new home, photo as promised (apologies for quality). Thanks again for your help x

 

[caesargirl]

Awwww! Excellent! Mommas coloring is beautiful.

 

[Orca5094]

Great job getting them to a safer location! Those babies are beautiful! What breed are they?