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YOUNG DUCKLINGS
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{****wendylady****} | Report | 13 Jun 2008 19:38 |
I wonder if any one can give me advice?........I've been to the farm locally and purchased 2 little ducklings..... i already have 11 chucks and wanted some ducks to go with them..... when i got to the farm.. the farmer only had little ducklings....just wondering if these little ducklings are to young to leave mom.... as they only have down fluffy on them... they haven't even got any feathers on them... they are petrifeid little things... bless them...... wondering if any one has any tips on keeping them warm.... as i know they would nestle under moms feathers....don't wanna taken back to the farm as the farmer only sees it as a business and doesn't take any interrested in them.... as we see and keep them as pets and part of the family.... he says they will be ok stuck in a box down the garden.....I wont entertain the idea of that...... farmer not interested not saying all farmers are like that....any advice will be gratefully received |
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Helen in Kent | Report | 13 Jun 2008 19:46 |
Hi Wendy, I have fluffy chicks and have had ducklings, too. I have kept mine warm under an ordinary bedside lamp - the cheaper the better as ducklings are messy little blighters. I would keep this on night and day in their box/home until they have most of their feathers - unless we have a heatwave, in which case put it on at night. |
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Researching: |
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Harpstrings | Report | 13 Jun 2008 19:46 |
I am not sure about birds leaving their mothers at what age, but if they have not got feathers on would say that they have been removed too soon and the farmer needs reporting to the RSPCA. |
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Jean (Monmouth) | Report | 13 Jun 2008 19:51 |
Can you keep them in a shed for now? They need to stay warm, put straw or shredded paper for them to snuggle up on. Make sure they have drinking water access. It isnt unusual for ducklings to be sold with only Down, though agree it is a bit heartless. If you have a broody hen she might take to them, Bantam hens have been used for that for hundreds of years. At this time of year I wouldnt think you would need to suspend a light bulb over them for warmth. Good luck with your effort . Jean |
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maryjane-sue | Report | 13 Jun 2008 19:52 |
Ducklings should not be allowed in water deep enough to "swim" in until they get their feathers - the fluffy stuff gets waterlogged very easily and the wet/cold might kill them. The should just have drinking water. |
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Harpstrings | Report | 13 Jun 2008 19:54 |
Oh I sooooo want some duckies. But we have a fox population round by us and fear duckies would not last long. :((( |
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Eldrick | Report | 13 Jun 2008 19:55 |
No they havent been removed too young. You buy poultry from day olds onwards. |
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kay | Report | 13 Jun 2008 19:57 |
Google ...day old chicks and ducklings |
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{****wendylady****} | Report | 13 Jun 2008 19:58 |
Well i have put them in a warm cat box with hay and straw.... my dorta had a cup at xmas with a little minuture water bottle attached so i have put it in an old sock and wraped tea towel round it with alittle warm water in it they snuggled up to that for now.....he told me to give them layers pellets but i think they are to much for the ducklings i just brought some chick crumbs....im hoping i am doing enough for them.... |
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Harpstrings | Report | 13 Jun 2008 20:05 |
Ahhh bless them Wendylady. I hope you keep us updated on their progress. |
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{****wendylady****} | Report | 13 Jun 2008 20:08 |
They are beautiful harp strings they are very vocal so im hopefull.... will keep you up to to date..... named them DIB & DAB..... thankyou to everyone who gave me advice... if anyone has anymore ideas.... please let me know..... im like a fretting mommy lol.... 8-) x |
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Cumbrian Caz~**~ | Report | 13 Jun 2008 20:10 |
How lovely Wendy, |
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{****wendylady****} | Report | 13 Jun 2008 20:15 |
Hi caz.... sorry i forgot to ask you yestersday were in cannock you long distant rellies were from?......... |
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Mary | Report | 13 Jun 2008 20:53 |
Hi, |
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Mary | Report | 13 Jun 2008 20:55 |
Hi, |
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~flying doctor~ | Report | 13 Jun 2008 20:58 |
Wendylady, Have had all kinds of birds including ducks. You must keep them warm and do not let them have swimming water until they are properly feathered as they do not produce their own oil for waterproofing. They rely on the oil from their mothers feathers, that is why you see babies with mums in the wild swimming, they have her oil to waterproof them. The preen gland is on top of their tail a little pink gland (small). If you let them swim they will become waterlogged and either drown or get hypothermia. Hope this helps. Oh and by the way stupid farmer for taking them from their mums so young. Elaine. |
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Gwyn in Kent | Report | 13 Jun 2008 21:12 |
Wendylady |
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Purple **^*Sparkly*^** Diamond | Report | 13 Jun 2008 22:53 |
My Dad used to bring home day old chicks, and put them in a homemade wooden frame on top of lots of newspaper, he would put an old stone hot water bottle in one corner with an old sweater round it and they would snuggle up in the sweater, and he fed them chopped up boiled egg for a little while, can picture them now, in our living room of all places, the only room with a fire in, no central heating then lol Can still hear their peeping and smell the egg. |
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Glenys the Menace! | Report | 14 Jun 2008 11:31 |
I know of cases where, if ducklings have been left by/taken away from their mothers, the babies' human carers have put down an old cuddly toy for them to snuggle up to. |
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Teddys Girl | Report | 14 Jun 2008 11:38 |
We have a stream run through our garden, and also have a pond. |