What kind of duck? Solo duckling tips?

[nettlesandrose]

Hello!

I am new to hatching ducks. I started With six but only one made it to hatch.

What kind of duck is this? She hatched from a large white egg.

Also any suggestions for keeping a lone baby duck company? It was definitely not my plan. I’m hatching more, but that will obviously take some time. I want to try and make sure this sweet one is as happy as possible.

 

[sourland]

A free standing picture might help with breed identification. Provide a mirror that the duckling can use for 'company'.

 

[BReeder!]

Hello!

I am new to hatching ducks. I started With six but only one made it to hatch.

What kind of duck is this? She hatched from a large white egg.

Also any suggestions for keeping a lone baby duck company? It was definitely not my plan. I’m hatching more, but that will obviously take some time. I want to try and make sure this sweet one is as happy as possible.
View attachment 2970866

Breed ID is difficult with ducklings. It's a mallard species, but that means it could be one of MANY breeds. Standing pick might help with IDing it as a runner or non-runner at least.

As for company, @sourland idea of a mirror is a good idea. Also, do you have other poultry hatchlings? I've successfully kept ducklings and chicks together as well as ducklings and poults. The only trick part is water. Ducklings will need to be able to get their nostrils under the water to clear them while sometimes a chick or poult can drown in water just a 1/2" deep (if not less). I raised my jar waterer just a bit and they were less inclined to get into the water but could still get a drink standing next to the waterer.

 

[nettlesandrose]

Breed ID is difficult with ducklings. It's a mallard species, but that means it could be one of MANY breeds. Standing pick might help with IDing it as a runner or non-runner at least.

As for company, @sourland idea of a mirror is a good idea. Also, do you have other poultry hatchlings? I've successfully kept ducklings and chicks together as well as ducklings and poults. The only trick part is water. Ducklings will need to be able to get their nostrils under the water to clear them while sometimes a chick or poult can drown in water just a 1/2" deep (if not less). I raised my jar waterer just a bit and they were less inclined to get into the water but could still get a drink standing next to the waterer.

I have some chickens that are two weeks old in a brooder.

 

[Miss Lydia]

I wouldn't try it chicks can peck hard and may hurt the duckling. A mirror will work and a soft stuffed animal with no string hanging that the duckling could possibly swallow,
Or if you can split your brooder so the duckling and chicks can see each other but not be able to mingle may help keep the duckling company. it sure is a cutie. Where did you get the eggs?

 

[ruthhope]

Until you get more ducklings, a mirror and a soft toy might work. However, when I had a rescue duckling that was newly hatched, it got depressed and lay face down on its soft toy duck and stopped doing anything after two days. I recognized a depressed little duckling, and got him out and started having him on my tabletop between me and my laptop when I was working, so that he had company all day and I could frequently handle him. That little duckling thrived despite his near death start in life and depression from loneliness a few days later. So please keep an eye out for your little duckling being lonely and needing attention and frequent attention and handling until you get more ducklings.

 

[CoriM]

If you live in a warm climate you could have a hatchery ship some ducklings right away so she's not too lonely and they can grow up together.

 

[Stoney Meadow Maple]

Hang a feather duster in there with it about 2-3” off the bedding, they love it, spend most of their time under it. Even if you have a bunch, they love the duster.
Be careful, they also like their water jug.

 

[Painted Calls]

Hang a feather duster in there with it about 2-3” off the bedding, they love it, spend most of their time under it. Even if you have a bunch, they love the duster.
Be careful, they also like their water jug.

His little face! He's like "Well crap." Little turd.

 

[nettlesandrose]

Here they are today. I am ordering a feather duster. Luckily I am home full time so I can give duckling snuggles.

Unfortunately we are in Colorado and it is very cold/snowy. Shipping live animals doesn’t feel like the right choice for us, especially not right now