Mallard ducklings dying from Hypothermia?

[Mrs. Light Sussex]

Yesterday I purchased a mallard duck family (parents + 8 ducklings), this morning I found four ducklings in the water dish, three were dead ant the fourth one was not far behind Quickly, I removed the still living duckling from the water, he was cold to the touch, shivering and his toes were curled. I quickly wrapped him in a towel and held him next to a heater until the shivering stopped. Now he is back with his family and hopefully doing okay.

Is it possible that his 3 siblings died from hypothermia? The parents don't care for their young?

 

[Jpat]

What a horrible mistake to make, i feel bad for the ducks

Its almost obviosly hypothermia

You were the parent that didnt care for the young

 

[Mrs. Light Sussex]

What a horrible mistake to make, i feel bad for the ducks

Its almost obviosly hypothermia

You were the parent that didnt care for the young

Ouch!

 

[Jpat]

That was mean i actualy feel like a jerk now. sorry

But yeah they get in the water bowl with smooth sides and get water logged, then panicked, then exhusted

 

[Flamens Farm]

So sad and so sorry to read your story this morning. I would have assumed that the ducks would have called the babies to sleep with her for the night. But them having a mind of there own apparently not. Maybe not the same as chickens? I have just 2 females Mallards that are adult and just bought a 2-week old male Mallard, of course, he is in the house under the light still. I won't put him in with them for a few months that's for sure. I don't let him get in the water only drink it. Maybe you need a covered water dish so they can't get in it until the babies are older.

 

[Soon2BChixMom]

@mrs light sussex
How old are the ducklings? The parents would show them what to do, but the ducklings would need to be able to get out of the water.

 

[Mrs. Light Sussex]

So sad and so sorry to read your story this morning. I would have assumed that the ducks would have called the babies to sleep with her for the night. But them having a mind of there own apparently not. Maybe not the same as chickens? I have just 2 females Mallards that are adult and just bought a 2-week old male Mallard, of course, he is in the house under the light still. I won't put him in with them for a few months that's for sure. I don't let him get in the water only drink it. Maybe you need a covered water dish so they can't get in it until the babies are older.

They slept together at night, 09:00 AM they were all fine 11:45 AM is when I found them in the water.

 

[Mrs. Light Sussex]

@mrs light sussex
How old are the ducklings? The parents would show them what to do, but the ducklings would need to be able to get out of the water.

They are 2 weeks old (or should I say were )
I have seen them get in and out of the water before.

 

[Soon2BChixMom]

Maybe not allow the water at night then? Pics of your set up would help.

 

[Soon2BChixMom]

They slept together at night, 09:00 AM they were all fine 11:45 AM is when I found them in the water.

Oh. I would make sure they definitely can get in and out of the water then. Can you post some pics?