Need a crash course...four wild, orphaned ducklings..

[joskt0204]

They wandered up to a friend's house on Friday, with no momma duck. She's kept them alive all weekend, but she works really long hours, so I'm going to give it a shot. Pointers?

 

[Miss Lydia]

They wandered up to a friend's house on Friday, with no momma duck. She's kept them alive all weekend, but she works really long hours, so I'm going to give it a shot. Pointers?

How old just hatched? this will get you started.. http://welcomehomefarm-tj.blogspot.com/2009/05/duckling-care.html

 

[Kevin565]

1. Some people feed medicated feed but most prefer non medicated

2. I always use Flock raiser. If your using chick starter you will need Niacin supplements

3. They are messy. Especially with their waterers

4. They grow FAST.

 

[Miss Lydia]

How old just hatched? this will get you started.. http://welcomehomefarm-tj.blogspot.com/2009/05/duckling-care.html

Be careful not to over heat them, they will need some warmth but not as much as chicks, here's another good site..
http://www.feathersite.com/Poultry/BRKRaisingDucklings.html

 

[joskt0204]

Thanks. The smallest one has already died. I guess the trip over was too much. There are two that look good, and another one that looks pretty bad. Of course, we don't know what happened to the momma duck. I hope I haven't imported any illness. We have chickens, as well as two wild mallards who have decided that domestication is a pretty good deal and rarely leave our yard.

 

[joskt0204]

Oh, and it's hot as blue blazes outside here, so I wouldn't think they'll need any heat during the day at least. It's 90, at least.

 

[Miss Lydia]

Oh, and it's hot as blue blazes outside here, so I wouldn't think they'll need any heat during the day at least. It's 90, at least.

Where are you keeping them? are these mallard ducklings. What are you feeding them? probably don't need heat during the day but I hope you don't have them outside over night with out some kind of protection from the elements. Even a stuffed animal to snuggle with may make them feel more secure. and I'm sorry about the one that died I hope the other one pulls through, Do you have any poultry vitamins or even a little sugar water [just to get them through the move] may help perk them up. If your unsure about breed you can post pics on here and maybe someone can help.

 

[joskt0204]

None of them made it through the night. I feel terrible. We brought them in about 7 last night, and they were in an addition on our house that is like a sunroom. It was never below 85 in there last night. I am really worrying now that I have brought some disease home. I have three chickens and two wild mallards who have taken up residence with our chickens (self domestication!), and I am so worried about them now.

They had a chick waterer and chick starter. I only had them since about 5 yesterday afternoon.

 

[Miss Lydia]

None of them made it through the night. I feel terrible. We brought them in about 7 last night, and they were in an addition on our house that is like a sunroom. It was never below 85 in there last night. I am really worrying now that I have brought some disease home. I have three chickens and two wild mallards who have taken up residence with our chickens (self domestication!), and I am so worried about them now.

They had a chick waterer and chick starter. I only had them since about 5 yesterday afternoon.

I'm sorry but it probably wasn't anything you did, it's very hard to take in wild ducks from what I've read on here, not so much the mallards but wood ducks etc have a harder time learning to eat. Ducks are very hardy so I doubt they would have brought any disease in. Best to keep an extra close eye on your flock though. If you stay on here any length of time you'll see this is the time of year alot of folks find baby ducklings and some make it some don't. Sorry you had to go through this but if it ever happens again you'll be better prepared and it's always best to check your area for a wild life rehabber because they are experienced in taking care of wild birds of any species.