Pacing ducklings

[newduckmama15]

We found 2 abandoned mallard ducklings almost 3 weeks ago. We have them set up in a big dog pen, complete with baby pool and dog house for shelter. They stayed inside in a huge aquarium we had until they got too big. We got them acclimated to the pen by taking them out in it during the day and brought them back in at night. We did this for 4 days. They are growing so fast and have now outgrown the aquarium. They have been pacing the back of their pen. They pace, then stop to eat a bug or two, then pace some more. Is this normal? ? If not, what can I do for them??

 

[Amykins]

Poor things...are they peeping as they do this? They could be scared and looking for mama!

 

[newduckmama15]

They peep a little...nothing more than usual. They are still really scared of me...I go and just sit in their pen hoping they get used to my prescence....

 

[cayugaducklady]

I would try offering them a dabbling dish of greens. The greens can be chopped green material from your yard if it is pesticide & herbicide free or chopped produce from the grocery or a garden.

If their pool water is clean you can try feeding them in there, too.

It will let them practice a normal behavior and it might settle their nerves.

I would also try placing a beach towel or tarp on top of one small section of their pen. They may be nervous because they can't find any cover.

 

[HeritageGoose13]

Poor things, they have a nice area you have given them. They are probably looking for their mother and siblings.