Orphaned ducklings. Need help.

[jnicholes]

Hello,

I need some immediate help. I was out fishing, and me and a lady and her kids found two orphaned ducklings that a mother duck was trying to kill. Something killed their mother, and they are trying to get into another flock, with no success. They almost died.

The lady and I are attempting to take care of the ducklings until they're old enough to go back to the wild and have a chance at surviving.

I have multiple questions that I need answered right away.


First, what kind of feed?

Second, how much water do they need?

Third, is a brooder lamp necessary?

4th, is there anything I'm missing that I need to know?

Finally, how old can they be until they are returned to the wild?

Any help will be appreciated,

Jared

 

[cleoandtheflock]

@Miss Lydia

 

[Jpat]

post pictures of them, Then we can tell you the age and breed. That way we can help with heat

Under 3 weeks old should have heat forsure

For today and tomorow crushed cat or dog food will get them by

But the best would be chick starter crumbles. Or baby bird food from petsmart.

They should have a dish of water 24/7, deep enough to over their entire bill


if you want to return to the wild most experts would say limit human interactions as much as possible, be clinical

 

[cleoandtheflock]

@A_Fowl_Guy

 

[Miss Lydia]

If you can get in touch with your Department of Natural Resources and ask if they know of a water fowl rehabber in your area. They are trained to know how to raise these ducklings up to be released. Can you post a pic of these ducklings? What are you feeding? Yes they need something deep enough to dunk their heads but not be able to climb into. I use a plastic container with lid and cut two holes large enough for them to stick their heads into but they can’t climb into.

 

[jnicholes]

Thanks for the help so far. Pictures will be coming shortly.

 

[jnicholes]

Here are the pictures.

 

[Jpat]

ohyeah their 6 days, 7 hours, and 51 seconds old

theyd require 85 degrees-ish But they will shiver and huddle and look uncomfortable when their cold.

@Miss Lydia do wild ducklings need heat like domestics? ide think theyd be tougher but i dont know

 

[DucksOhio]

I agree with Miss Lydia. If there is a wildlife society nearby they can help.

GB for saving those precious babies.

 

[Jpat]

I agree with Miss Lydia. If there is a wildlife society nearby they can help.

GB for saving those precious babies.

X2 honestly