Now what!?

[crc310]

Our mama white layer duck, first baby is hatching! I removed the Pekin drake (our only 2 ducks). He’s upset cuz he never leaves her side (had a few girls killed by coons). Assuming he cannot be inside with the babies? Mama has a pen, 5’x6’ inside the coop (a 10’x10’ shed). I live in lower thumb of Michigan. Getting colder, going to be in 50’s at night this week. Should I supplement heat? When do I introduce feed? Shallow water bowl?

 

[Pyxis]

Congrats!

That shell looks like it got a little crushed, so I'd just keep an eye on things.

Some drakes do fine with ducklings, others not so much. You could try him in with her and the babies and keep a close eye and if things aren't going well separate them.

You don't have to supplement heat, momma duck will be taking care of that. Put out a feeder full of duckling starter/chick starter and a waterer for them.

 

[Miss Lydia]

Chick waterer for ducklings a deep bowl for mama just put it on top of something like bricks to make it high enough ducklings can’t get into it you’d be surprised how high they can jump. Eventually a plastic cool whip container with a couple holes cut into the top for the ducklings to stick their heads in to drink but not climb into.Congrats!!

 

[crc310]

Thanks! I have a heavy duty bucket for water for mama. I have a 1 gal chicken waterer I can put in for babies. Can’t drown in it. Gotta get feed tomorrow! Lol do I still give mom reg feed or just th duckling food?

 

[crc310]

Here’s the set up. Her bucket is in a heated dog water dish (not plugged in yet, using for support so it doesn’t fall over even though it hasn’t yet).

 

[Timothy Menezes]

Well if your feeding layer feed, then I would switch them over to a waterfowl maintenance feed or an all flock feed as she won't need the extra calcium from the layer. Also the male and babies will appreciate this too. A feed with about 20 to 22 percent protein will be perfect for the ducklings. That's a bit high for the adults but you can toss them some lettuce or similar to bring down their protein intake a bit. 16 to 18 percent is ideal for adults.

 

[Miss Lydia]

An all flock crumble is fine for all. Your set up looks good too.

 

[crc310]

Still 1 baby. Been 24 hours since I initially found its egg cracked. Hoping the others will be hatching soon!

 

[Miss Lydia]

Precious did you look for pips?

 

[crc310]

Another hatching tonight! I did my best canceling but found one internal pipping for sure!