Peking babies

[terri2098]

I just had a baby today! Now...What do I do? Leave mom alone? Move her and remaining <>10 eggs indoors? Give her food and water? What do the babies eat? Sorry for all the questions.

 

[quackingdom]

No problem, excellent questions! Congratulations!

Leave the mom and her baby in there until the rest of the eggs hatch. She may stop sitting if you move her now. I've made the mistake of moving the nest too early and lost half the eggs.

Are they safe? Ducklings are predator attractants.

The baby doesn't NEED to eat within the first 24-48 hours, because it still has yolk reserves, but I would still put food and water near them. The water should be small enough that the baby can't get in and drown or soak itself. Ducklings get cold easily. (You shouldn't let ducklings swim unsupervised until they have feathers, also.)

As far as what to feed them, you should probably start with commercial chick starter as mash (not pellets). I think some people put electrolytes in the water, but this isn't necessary.

Mom will enjoy the baby's food and water, too.

 

[Amiga]

Ditto the safety concern. Put up a fence around her if you must, but sitting ducks are sitting ducks.

Congratulations on the little!