Surprise Ducklings

[DeeBoo]

Well, talk about a surprise

. My four ducks became 9 ducks within 24 hrs. Yep, my 2 male rouen ducks and my 2 female mag pies have hatched 5 ducklings. I live in Arizona and it's been averaging over 100 degrees everyday. Do you think they will be okay - they have shade and a large pond? I've watched today and the four adult ducks seem to be keeping a close eye on them. I don't know if I need to remove them from the parents or leave them be. Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Thank you....

 

[Amiga]

Ducklings can overheat, I know that. Is there an area you can temporarily convert to duck use? I used a section of my walkout basement for a duckie storm shelter. I consider 95F or above to be a "heat storm," and bring them in to cool down mid-afternoon sometimes.

There is a point at which they seem to get antsy due to heat - hard to describe how I know - they start to complain even though there is plenty of food, water, shade, bedding, etc.

 

[jdywntr]

Our heat index has been getting into the low 100s for the last week. Make sure they have available shade, at all times of day, and plenty of water. Water in the shade is helpful too as they may be reluctant to walk to a waterer in the heat. Mine are much less active mid day. Mornings and evenings are there active times.