Little ducklings with big ducklings.

[BlueO]

Hello BYC! so I am watching three ducklings for a friend (we are both going on a trip together soon so I’m keeping her ducklings with mine that way the pet sitter sits all of them). I picked them up a day early to make sure everything was going well. They seem to be doing good together, but I’m worried about the big ones accidentally hurting the little ones. Do you think they will do all right together? They’re only a week apart.

Any help would be very appreciated! Thank you!

 

[HollowOfWisps]

A week apart will not make a difference. If one group was 2 days old and the other group 2 months then yes they could get trampled.

 

[JacinLarkwell]

Mine generally do okay with that age difference. Some trampling may happen if spooked, but usually they'll bounce right back up in my experience since they're not that much heavier

 

[KathiQuacks]

Agreed. A week difference is fine!
I’ve raised ducklings up to 2 weeks apart with no issue. 3 weeks was too much.

 

[BlueO]

Thank you for the replies! The three older ducklings are panting, but the younger ones are not. What should I do? I don’t want the younger ones to get cold.

 

[KathiQuacks]

You could get them in a bigger / longer brooder box, or readjust the heat lamp. Best to have a hot and cooler side of the brooder.

The smaller ones can snuggle up to the bigger ones for extra warmth.

 

[BlueO]

OK, I tried moving the heat a bit so it it’s not shining right on them. Do you think this will work?

 

[BlueO]

You could get them in a bigger / longer brooder box, or readjust the heat lamp. Best to have a hot and cooler side of the brooder.

The smaller ones can snuggle up to the bigger ones for extra warmth.

Thank you! They’re getting a bigger Bruder tomorrow. I’m moving them into the coop I just wanted them to be in the house the first night of them being together so I could make sure things go well.

 

[BlueO]

They don’t seem to be panting as much anymore. Thank you for all the help!