The Curious case of the never ending duckling!

[Roxyschooks]

Hi everyone!

You all warned me my ducklings would grow super fast! But I dont think I was ready for how fast!! Sometimes I feel like I come and check them after and hour and I feel like they’ve grown even in that time

it made me think - surely if a duck broods and hatches Say 6-12 eggs how on earth is she able to sit on the ducklings and keep them warm at night after two weeks? They still have their fluff but they are tripled in size!!
Does that mean ducklings are hardier then chicks and actually don’t go under mum at this time instead just snuggle together for warmth?

my lot love their brooder still at three weeks - they can just barely fit under it now!

 

[FoodFreedomNow]

Those down jackets help keep baby waterfowl warmer than downy chick feathers do, from what I've seen. My goslings have an MHP, but are already just sitting on top of it (they're a few days old now). And, yep, they also stay warm by snuggling together.

 

[CHlCKEN]

It's true they grow INSANELY fast! I raised two ducklings with baby chicks 4 years ago and after two weeks the ducks were twice the size of my pullets!

 

[Roxyschooks]

I know I can’t believe it! They are simply ENORMOUS! Ok so now the sun is out in the UK and the days are getting warmer they should be ok to have some fun outside away from the brooder (that they can now barely squish under anyway ) protected of course and only if it’s nice! right?