new with 6 ducklings!! are they cold?

[rockinredrhoman]

Howdy! Very excited to be part of this community! Yesterday we got 6 ducklings that are a couple days old. I am concerned about keeping them warm. One of those big heat lamps from the feed store seems a bit much for our brooder set up. Last night we had a heating pad under them and a regular light and bulb clamped in the brooder. It seemed warm in there but now my heating pad is malfunctioning and I really want to keep them warm. Are there any heating alternatives for so few babies? Maybe a standard high watt lightbulb? Also, I've read that ducklings huddle together when they are too cold but how do they sleep when they are comfortable? Thanks for your help.

 

[Yorkshire Coop]

Hi

Glad you could join the flock!! I'm afraid I'm not a duck person but do please drop by the duck section, here is the link https://www.backyardchickens.com/f/42/ducks
If they are huddle I would certainly say they are cold neatly spread out under the heat not on top of each other but near sounds good and that's how I gage how warm my chicks are.

Good luck with your ducklings I bet they are super cute!!
Enjoy BYC

 

[BantamFan4Life]

Welcome to BYC! I'm glad you joined us!

 

[mymilliefleur]

Glad you joined.

In an emergency situation, you can fill jars with hot water, wrap them in towels, and put them in the brooder. You will have to change the water every so often as it will cool off fairly quickly.

 

[drumstick diva]

If the heat lamp you have is too much for your brooder just, hang it farther away. I don't know what temps ducklings require but you can ask that question and any others on the duck threads.

 

[Kelsie2290]

Hello and Welcome To BYC! x3 on check out the duck forum, and you might also like to check out the Duck section of the Learning Center, some nice articles on raising ducklings https://www.backyardchickens.com/a/other-backyard-poultry-ducks-quail-turkeys-geese-etc

 

[nj2wv]

Welcome to BYC !!