Question about handling ducklings

[Lilly Cohn]

I am getting two, day old ducklings this coming week and would like tips on how to bond with them.

Can I take them out of their brooder during the first week? and for how long at a time? I don't want to mistakenly keep them away from their heat source for too long. Thanks

 

[TLWR]

I let mine settle in the first day and hang with them, but don't handle them too much. Next day, they go on adventures - running in the bathroom where I can clean easily, sitting with me on my toweled lap, running around the yard with me, quick dips, etc.

You are starting at 90-95. Depending on where you are, the air temps during the day can easily be that. And if they are sitting with you, your body heat will suffice.

 

[lomine]

I've had my 4 WH for a week now and they are already comfortable with me. Got them at two days old. Here's what I have been doing. The first day I let them settle for half the day. Then I held each for just a few minutes a couple of times. Each time holding them a little longer. Hold them several times a day now.

When they were 4 days old I put them in the bathroom sink with warm water for about 10 minutes. They absolutely loved it! Now they get swim time twice a day and I changed to a plastic tub that is deeper.

Whenever I go in the room I say "Hello girls" before entering to not startle them. After a few times I now get peeps in response. I also constantly talk softly to them when with them.

Sometimes I just sit next to the brooder and put my hand on the bottom without moving it. They still run from it when I put it in but settle quickly. At first they kept their distance but now they nibble at it, walk over it, and even lay down next to it. There's nothing quite like having a duckling choose to cuddle next to you.

Something else I've been doing is using bath time to bond. I put my hand in the water with them. Sometimes I hold it right at the surface with fairy moss, duckweed, or lettuce. They will come over and eat out of it. Other times I hold it further down under the surface and just hold it there. They will swim around it or climb on it for a little rest. One important thing to remember is to move slowly whatever it is you're doing.

Yesterday they had their first trip outside. I know they are comfortable with me because they came right up to me and explored around me while I sat on the ground.

 

[Lilly Cohn]

Thank you so much for the great advice! I really appreciate it. These are my first ducklings and I am trying to be as prepared as possible.

Did you take them out of the brooder when you first held them for a couple of minutes?

Do you dry them off after putting them in the sink? I don't have a regular heat lamp, I have a Brinsea Ecoglow Brooder which works by emitting radiant heat. If I dry them with a towel and put them back under the Brinsea Brooder they should be fine?

Lastly, I am raising mealworms for them. When can I feed them each a few whole, live mealworms? grit will be provided.

I am so looking forward to them choosing to cuddle with me too

 

[Lilly Cohn]

I am getting a Welsh Harlequin & a Fawn and White Indian Runner. So excited!

 

[lomine]

I don't know about the mealworms. I have not tried them.

My brooder is in my spare room which stays at about 80 degrees. When I hold them I take them out of the brooder but stay in the room.

Yes, I always towel dry them after bath time. They hate it. I would image yours would be fine with your set-up if you dry them off first.

I couldn't sleep the night before mine came I was so excited.

 

[cayugaducklady]

I used that brooder. They got really attached to it and would sleep under it even after they outgrew the need to have the heat. I think having that cover on top made them feel safe.

After daily swims I toweled mine off, placed a dry thick towel under the brooder & put them back under there.

I offered mine live meal worms at about the 1 week mark.

They also loved chasing baby crickets.. the tiniest size at around 1 week.

They also loved stampeding to the dabbling bowl for minced napa cabbage.