The day finally came! I got to go to my local Critter Market and select my ducklings! It was a GONG show and reminded me of the “Bull Pit” on Wall Street. I am way to gentle and have way to many manners for a place like that and had people cutting in front of me in lines. Luckily I was smart and contacted the one lady I planned on buying from & she surprised me by saving the 2 I wanted from her, a WH and a Saxony(the ONLY 1 in the whole building as she had a horrible hatch). I managed to get my hands on an Ancona mix (I believe as it has the spotted feet and bill) & a Blue Swedish (a pleasant surprise as no one mentioned bringing any). So in total I have 4 what I am hoping are ladies! Below is some eye Candy for everyone interested. I will also get individual pictures of each in the next couple days. I am just giving them a chance to settle in.
Ok so I made a heat cave for them instead of using a light. I couldn’t for the life of me get them to use it so I flipped it so it’s a heated bed and.... Anyone else used something similar and things turned out fine? They are in my unfinished basement (it does have heat just concrete flooring makes it kinda cool down there).
@Jpat I believe uses something similar. Only problem is not knowing what temp they are on. Tiny ducklings need to be kept at least 85-90* first week. then drop 5 degrees each week there after.
I used the MHP with my ducklings. I had to put them under it and hold my hand over the opening to keep them in at first, but they stayed and used it for the first two or three nights. After that they stayed on top, so I did the same as you and made a flat bed for them. Mine are in the house though where it’s about 70-75*. I’ve used the MHP for several batches of chicks and find that the ducklings don’t like it as warm as the chicks do. They’re about 2 weeks old now and sometimes they sleep on the pad and sometimes they don’t. I have it set on 3 and covered with a towel.
I have never gotten ducklings to go under a MHP... so they sleep on top! I've never had that be a problem, and I brood outside. Currently have four goslings sleeping on a heat pad too, also outside. Your little group is adorable! Enjoy their poopy little butts!
I have my heat pad on 6(highest setting) with a tea towel over it. There is poop in the bed and then a trail of poop to the food & water dishes so I know they are using it pretty much all the time except for when eating.