Odd Ducks Or Normal Behavior?

[HappyGoDuckie]

I was wondering if it's normal for your duckling to be afraid of the dark. The other two don't seem that bothered, but my Pekin baby will start screaming out for me the moment it gets dark. I always leave a light on for them because once he gets started they all start screaming. They don't have a heat lamp since no matter what bulb or type I get they freak out whenever it's on and avoid it like it's evil, and instead the entire house is set to whatever temperature they want. (Mostly according to what temperature they should about have about their age, with one or two degree adjustments based on of they're too hot or too cold. Usually keep it about 72 for my 3 week old ducklings since it's cool enough for the Pekin and warm enough for my little Swedish Black who likes the heat.) They of course also have one of my old shirts inside a box to snuggle up in if they get chilly.

So because of the lack of heat lamp it tends to get dark in my room (where they sleep) unless I turn on the dim hanging lamp.

Also, if anyone could explain why they hate their heat lamps so much...? It's just a normal heat lamp and I've tried pretty much every color. They seem to hate direct sunlight too. Yet will snuggle up and watch TV with me. (They really love Star Vs The Forces Of Evil, and Jacksepticeye videos.) Thankfully I find if I let them go swimming at just the right time of day when the sun shines in their favorite cosy spot they will sunbathe to dry off, so they get some sunlight... I feel like it's not enough though.

And finally, swimming. I read that they shouldn't be able to swim at just 3 weeks, yet they they are pretty strong swimmers. They tend to be lazy babies so I set them in the tub filled with warm water at least once a day to get much needed exercise. They dive under and swim around as well as fully grown ducks. Are they old enough to do this, or should I be concerned about drowning...? I do watch over them while they're swimming and they don't even falter in their swimming.

 

[Miss Lydia]

Maybe try a stuffed animal in with them that seems to comfort ducklings chicks etc. not one with long fur though so they can't nip it off and eat it. I haven't ever noticed any of our babes we brooded inside being afraid of the dark since I use a heat lamp that is putting out red light. which usually keeps them calm and doesn't disturb natural sleep.
Have you tried putting the heat lamp at one end of their brooder so they can choose to sleep under if they choose put feed and water at the other end.

72 seems kind of cool for most ducklings maybe try for around 75* and of course they can swim at 3 weeks even before if they have supervision and the water is warm. They can't really regulate their body temps when they aren't feathered in. We'd sure miss out on a lot of enjoyment if we didn't get to see those little ones playing and diving in water.

Sounds like you have some very spoiled duckies adorable too

https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/raising-and-caring-for-ducklings.750869/

 

[Soon2BChixMom]

I don't know about the lamp, but I imagine it is because you aren't leaving it on long enough and so it is new every time. New = scary!
As for swimming, they can swim early, they just aren't developed so need to be supervised as they can drown.

 

[xdmsd3d]

I lost a few little ones last year when Mom lead them to a kiddie pool I had in the big duck fence. She took them thru a hole in the fence and up the ladder into the pool. When it got dusk she went home and left them. By the time I found them two had drown. I now have and island in the pool just incase (and check the fence for holes more often) But they def need to be supervised when swimming before they are feathered.

I dont know if I have ever had any afraid of the dark. My pot bellie pig wont go outside in the dark. But I suspect hes (as your ducklings) a little spoiled. Because I go with a flashlite when he hollers.

Good luck with your babies.

 

[Miss Lydia]

about your pot bellied pig, they train us well don't they.

Sorry about the ducklings I lost one to drowning too broke my heart.

 

[HappyGoDuckie]

Maybe try a stuffed animal in with them that seems to comfort ducklings chicks etc. not one with long fur though so they can't nip it off and eat it. I haven't ever noticed any of our babes we brooded inside being afraid of the dark since I use a heat lamp that is putting out red light. which usually keeps them calm and doesn't disturb natural sleep.
Have you tried putting the heat lamp at one end of their brooder so they can choose to sleep under if they choose put feed and water at the other end.

72 seems kind of cool for most ducklings maybe try for around 75* and of course they can swim at 3 weeks even before if they have supervision and the water is warm. They can't really regulate their body temps when they aren't feathered in. We'd sure miss out on a lot of enjoyment if we didn't get to see those little ones playing and diving in water.

Sounds like you have some very spoiled duckies adorable too

https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/raising-and-caring-for-ducklings.750869/

I had the heat lamp at one end.
Are you sure it's too cold...? I turn it up and they started panting. Maybe they're older than I thought they were..?

 

[HappyGoDuckie]

I lost a few little ones last year when Mom lead them to a kiddie pool I had in the big duck fence. She took them thru a hole in the fence and up the ladder into the pool. When it got dusk she went home and left them. By the time I found them two had drown. I now have and island in the pool just incase (and check the fence for holes more often) But they def need to be supervised when swimming before they are feathered.

I dont know if I have ever had any afraid of the dark. My pot bellie pig wont go outside in the dark. But I suspect hes (as your ducklings) a little spoiled. Because I go with a flashlite when he hollers.

Good luck with your babies.

Thanks! Sorry you lost yours... I keep a close eye on mine when they're in the tub, and they don't have access to water deeper than them in their cozy corner.
I think you might be right on the fact they're spoiled being why he's afraid of the dark. It's probably him just mad he can't see me at all times. He and his siblings almost never leave my side.

 

[HappyGoDuckie]

I don't know about the lamp, but I imagine it is because you aren't leaving it on long enough and so it is new every time. New = scary!
As for swimming, they can swim early, they just aren't developed so need to be supervised as they can drown.

How long should I try leaving it on for..? I tried for a few days. Maybe I should try a week..?

 

[HappyGoDuckie]

Maybe try a stuffed animal in with them that seems to comfort ducklings chicks etc. not one with long fur though so they can't nip it off and eat it. I haven't ever noticed any of our babes we brooded inside being afraid of the dark since I use a heat lamp that is putting out red light. which usually keeps them calm and doesn't disturb natural sleep.
Have you tried putting the heat lamp at one end of their brooder so they can choose to sleep under if they choose put feed and water at the other end.

72 seems kind of cool for most ducklings maybe try for around 75* and of course they can swim at 3 weeks even before if they have supervision and the water is warm. They can't really regulate their body temps when they aren't feathered in. We'd sure miss out on a lot of enjoyment if we didn't get to see those little ones playing and diving in water.

Sounds like you have some very spoiled duckies adorable too

https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/raising-and-caring-for-ducklings.750869/

I forgot yours was the one that suggested the stuffed animal haha. I have a small bunny toy that's soft but very secure, I'll try that for them. They do love fabric. Thanks! =)

 

[Soon2BChixMom]

How long should I try leaving it on for..? I tried for a few days. Maybe I should try a week..?

If they need it, just leave it on all of the time. What color or type are you using?