How long do ducklings need heat?

[sylviethecochin]

Might be Magpies. (picture not mine)

 

[Miss Lydia]

Whos panting? the Pekins? That would be my guess since they tend to get over heated easier. Good idea not to leave them outside they are way to young for that unless there is a heat source. I am sure your little ones appreciate having the Pekins for the extra warmth in side.

How did they do with out heat over night? If they were all piled on top of each other they may have been too cool.

 

[RedHed2Fred]

Whos panting? the Pekins? That would be my guess since they tend to get over heated easier. Good idea not to leave them outside they are way to young for that unless there is a heat source. I am sure your little ones appreciate having the Pekins for the extra warmth in side.

How did they do with out heat over night? If they were all piled on top of each other they may have been too cool.

Yes, the Pekins pant more than the others but I have seen the mallards pant. They did great without the heat lamp overnight but OMG do they go through the water!!! We've gotten them a large waterer. Do they need access to food 24/7 like chickens or do we take the food out at night?

 

[Miss Lydia]

Until they are around 5-6 weeks old they need food and water 24/7. you can make waterers for your ducklings out of cool whip or other types of plastic containers cut a couple holes in the top to accommodate their heads and cut as they grow it will keep the water more contained you can also sit waterers on something like a broiler pan so what they spill will stay in the pan. They need to be able to dunk their heads to keep their nares and eyes clean

 

[RedHed2Fred]

Thanks for that tip! I have plenty of containers with lids.