SINGLE DUCKLING- HOW DO I CARE FOR IT?!

[Sparkypatriot15]

Hello I had recently bought 3 little week-old ducklings because none of my eggs hatched. They were doing fine, but dogs got into their pen and scattered them. We found one dead and the other is missing and I doubt he will survive the night on his own. We did, however, manage to rescues the little mallard duckling. I put her in a box with a heat lamp up in my room, away from the reach of any more predators. I spend all the time I can with her, but she flips out if she is left alone. What should I do? I might not be able to go get another duckling, but I don't want her to die of loneliness or anything but I can't spend 24/7 with her. Does anyone know what I can do? Oh and I also don't have any mirrors that would it in her box. Should I... Give her a stuffed animal or something? I don't know what to do!

 

[Kevin565]

Yes put in a stuff animal and I would suggest trying craigslist to find a duckling near her age.

 

[Sparkypatriot15]

Ok I'll put a stuffed animal in there. I don't think I'll be allowed to buy another duckling- I doubt my parents would drive me all the way back to Monroe to get another duckling. I had trouble convincing them not to get rid of the one I had now. I tried to introduce her to our baby chickens, but apparently she's not a big fan of them. I will ask, but I doubt they will agree. Is there anything else I can do?

 

[phoenix912]

How old are the chickens? I have a 1 week old duck in with 2 week old chickens. 1 duck egg hatched out of 4. The chicks treat him as one of their own. If you can't get another duckling try introducing it to the chicks a little while at a time.

 

[Kevin565]

I would keep trying to keep her with the chicks. She may end up warming up to them. If not just keep the stuff animal and try to spend as much time with her as you can.

 

[Sparkypatriot15]

Ok thanks I will try- she's been going nutzo every time I'm out of her sight. And if I let her out of her box, she follows me around like a puppy dog. And when I sit down, she always wants to sit in my lap or on my belly and fall asleep. I can't stand making her get up and putting her in her box because she starts chirping like crazy, but I can't have her follow me everywhere cause we have dogs. So thanks- I will try your suggestions

 

[phoenix912]

How is you're duck doing? Did she take to the chicks or did you get another duck for a friend?

 

[Sparkypatriot15]

The duck is doing great. She. (or he) follows me everywhere and still get upset when I leave, but she copes with it mun better. We put her in a pen with s chicken wire screen thought the middle so they can talk but no peck because she still will peck and chase the chicks every once and a while. I'm starting to think the she's convinced that she IS a chicken. But we're also getting another newborn duckling to keep her company of her own kind.

 

[Ally Rose]

I need to see a pic please

 

[Sparkypatriot15]

I can't post pics, unfortunately. I would if I could. And now I have a new predicament- that duckling is now fine and best friends with the chicks, but now I have a new duckling that is a couple hours old... Does anyone have any tips on taking care of it? When can I put it outside with my other duckling? The temp down here is usually 85-95 during the day and 70-80 at night...