Raising a Single duckling advice

[JoTing]

Hi, I have another newbie question for you all.

So I have one single 2day old runner duckling (sadly the other 3 eggs weren’t viable). It seems strong and generally content, I’ve put in some soft toys in which I’ve seen it snuggling (were hatching more currently so hopefully it will have company once they can go in together).

My question is how much attention to give it until then (assuming they hatch and he has duck company in a few weeks when they’re bigger)?

Apart from a littke sneak peak (actually a few this morning because it’s just too cute) and chat when I change water/food we’re generally leaving it alone. It does cry/chirp out for a while every so often but if I leave it alone it soon settles down again with just a little chatter. Is this the best approach or is it ok to give more attention (especially when the kids are back from school!). I don’t want it to be stressed when we’re not around. With work some days i might not be around for few hours/morning.

Thanks

 

[Peggysaurus]

(were hatching more currently so hopefully it will have company once they can go in together).

How long have you been incubating the new eggs?

 

[chickens really]

Can you find it a friend? Hang a mirror too helps because they like the other Duck looking back at them.

 

[Magnolia Ducks]

Agreed on the mirror. Helped my little girl.

 

[JoTing]

Can you find it a friend? Hang a mirror too helps because they like the other Duck looking back at them.

I’ve searched and just can’t find any (Somerset). Only eggs or 4 months plus(so went for eggs). We did consider a chick? We’ll try the mirror. Thanks for the idea.

 

[JoTing]

Agreed on the mirror. Helped my little girl.

ThanksZ. We’ll give it a go

 

[JoTing]

They’re just in so it will be a few weeks yet. There’s a high chance I know that they’ll no longer be fertile but The batch last week reported as still fertile candling at 7 days. Our runner will have the company of chickens so won’t be completely on its own if they don’t work out.

 

[Peggysaurus]

They’re just in so it will be a few weeks yet. There’s a high chance I know that they’ll no longer be fertile but The batch last week reported as still fertile candling at 7 days. Our runner will have the company of chickens so won’t be completely on its own if they don’t work out.

From my experience, I would at least buy a couple more ducks for your duckling. Young chickens/ducks get lonely when they are alone. Hope this helps! Good luck raising your duckling(s)!

 

[Miss Lydia]

Please don’t leave it alone ducks are sociable an need companionship so till more ducklings arrive a mirror and some cuddle time will help with loneliness.

 

[JoTing]

Please don’t leave it alone ducks are sociable an need companionship so till more ducklings arrive a mirror and some cuddle time will help with loneliness.

Thanks for your advice. I was worried we’d make it worse by giving him attention and then not being there but we will keep it company and It seems to like the mirror that we’ve put in.