Need help, I know nothing about ducklings

[Scorpy89]

I accidentally hatched a duck egg. I have no idea what to do. Just that I can not put it in the brooder with my chicks. Before you ask how I “accidentally” hatched a duck. My cousin was giving my family duck eggs because her ducks are laying everyday. And I wasn’t made aware of that until just two weeks ago, not knowing we were getting them much earlier than that. Most times when I tend my flock and get the eggs I place the eggs on the counter on a towel and at that time I got a wild hair up my butt and decided to incubate eggs. Last week when the chicks hatched, there was one left and I thought “Oh, must have died, poor thing.” I picked it up and candled it and it moved. So I was like. “Okay, late starter, back you go.” Well, it was a duckling. Imagine my shock.

 

[hillbilly91]

Why can't you put it with the other biddies? I would put the duckling with the biddies as they need the same care for the first 6 or 8weeks. Then just add a pool

 

[chickens really]

Definitely needs heat and can be with the Chicks . Needs a mirror and a teddy to cuddle. Also another Duckling will help.

 

[Scorpy89]

@hillbilly91 1. The way that ducks drink their water, sometimes they backwash to clean their nostrils.
2. they can’t have medicated starter crumble.
@chickens really
I have a heating pad covered with an old pillow case. And I’m looking for another duckling, I just might not be able to get one until tomorrow. It hatched pretty late yesterday and most of the places where I can go to get them either aren’t open on Sunday or close by noon. I ended up sleeping late today because I was scrambling to make a brooder and a place for it last night.

 

[chickens really]

@hillbilly91 1. The way that ducks drink their water, sometimes they backwash to clean their nostrils.
2. they can’t have medicated starter crumble.
@chickens really
I have a heating pad covered with an old pillow case. And I’m looking for another duckling, I just might not be able to get one until tomorrow. It hatched pretty late yesterday and most of the places where I can go to get them either aren’t open on Sunday or close by noon. I ended up sleeping late today because I was scrambling to make a brooder and a place for it last night.

A heating pad is no good because they can become too hot. It needs to be heat over head that they can escape from if needed.

 

[Scorpy89]

@chickens really
That’s why I covered it in old pillow cases. I have an electric thermometer to keep tabs on it.

 

[Callender Girl]

I've never kept chicks and ducklings together, but the local farm store did this spring.

I don't use medicated starter. I feed my chicks and ducklings the same food but I supplemented with frozen peas for my ducklings because they need more niacin. I've also bought niacin, but peas are cheaper and have worked okay for me.

I wouldn't use a heating pad. My ducklings hung out under a heat lamp, just like the chicks. I'm sure a second duckling would be a good addition. Good luck.

 

[Scorpy89]

@Callender Girl
Frozen peas, from like from the store? Do I give it as a treat? Do I need to let it thaw?
Where do I get niacin to give it and how much do I give and how often?

 

[duxrus]

I did the exact same thing once and decided to raise my duckling with the chicks. If you decide not to put it in with the chicks you might want to look at how these people used heating pads for their chicks and ducklings.
https://www.backyardchickens.com/th...d-in-the-brooder-picture-heavy-update.956958/

 

[Scorpy89]

@chickens really
It moves on and off the heating pad fine. The heating pad doesn’t take up much room in the brooder. Most of the time he wedges into the corner where the heating pad is folded.