My Mystery Duckling is Becoming a Menace

[OLDRanch]

Thank you for the steps on how to download a video I am going to have to what for my dad though.

You asked about toys. There are several duckling life enrichment options, depending on size. you can make tunnels from empty cardboard boxes [eg cereal boxes, for them to run through. You can make steps for them to run up from flat disks of wood or tile. Make sure the steps are stable and don;t fall over. there are various brightly colour wooden toys with bells retailed for parrots that they can peck at. When I had a rescued duckling I was rehabbing and it didn't have ducky friends, I used parrot toys, a mirror and simple things like bright red plastic milk gallon tops. The duckling loved picking up the red milk tops and dropping them on the floor for me to pick up and give back. My duckling also liked rolling a pencil across my desk. When swimming in the bath, I have two plastic lattice balls with a bell inside each. Ducklings can peck at them and push them around. One of mine liked to trample them down into the water.

All these suggestions need space in your brooder. If there isn't space for them, then that is likely why your duckling might be bored!!!

Thank you for the ideas ruthhope.

 

[Jenbirdee]

How much space are you giving them?

Same question

 

[Jenbirdee]

If there is any blood being shed ,, bald spots from feather pulling ,, or other injuries - You can also put a divider like a screen or small gate/fence across the brooder to temporarily separate a bully duckling.

 

[OLDRanch]

Sorry it took me a while to get these photos up

The duckling has gotten much better and there's been no more excessive pecking. Thank you everyone for all the ideas, I am very grateful

 

[Miss Lydia]

Sorry it took me a while to get these photos up View attachment 4231322View attachment 4231324 The duckling has gotten much better and there's been no more excessive pecking. Thank you everyone for all the ideas, I am very grateful

Do you know your temp in their brooder? Also any toys you give them make sure they cannot chew off strings or plastic eyes if a stuffed animal. Great to hear the duckling is doing much better!

 

[OLDRanch]

Hi, another question on the mystery duckling, they are now three weeks old, and huge(I miss the tiny babies). and I'm still not sure on the breed. She has been panting a lot (mouth open and rapidly breathing). They have
NO supplemental heat even at night. I've been giving her a Homeopathic Remedy tincture of Antimonium Crudum. Any idea's, suggestions, or wisdom you want to share would be greatly appreciated (by me and Sweden the mystery duckling)

 

[OLDRanch]

A few side notes I forgot to add:
They have plenty of place.
She only pants when she's resting.
And their brooder is cleaned on a pretty regular basis.