Ducks can be reckless mothers, depending on the breed. Ducklings that are abandoned by their parents are fairly common among domestic ducks, which can be heartbreaking.
Both wild and domestic ducks abandon ducklings, and they usually don't survive more than a day or two. Wild ducklings are at the mercy of predators and drowning without a mother to guide them. Domestic ducklings are often harassed by other birds in the coop when they don't have a mother hovering over them.
A duck that already has babies will often adopt abandoned ducklings, provided they're about the same age as her own. Perhaps her maternal instinct is strongest right after her young hatch, or she just can't tell them apart.
Very young ducklings are especially at risk of drowning because they don't yet produce a natural oil that protects them from waterlogging. They get some of their mother's oils by touch, which allows them to swim with them briefly, but she must know their limits.
Ducks shouldn't be allowed in the water until they're largely feathered in.
They should have free access to clean dry feed, even if they don't eat much at first. They also love snails, slugs, and garden bugs as well as grass, clover, greens, and lettuce.
Ducklings love to play in their water, and their droppings are much moister than chicken manure. Without adequate bedding, they'll get soaked and may die of hypothermia. Paper towels also work well but must be changed daily as they soak easily.
Ducks generally reach their full size within 8-12 weeks, depending on their breed. They'll need to be cared for at least 6 weeks before they can be safely reintroduced to the flock.
Have you encountered or cared for abandoned ducklings? Tell us more in the comments below.
Both wild and domestic ducks abandon ducklings, and they usually don't survive more than a day or two. Wild ducklings are at the mercy of predators and drowning without a mother to guide them. Domestic ducklings are often harassed by other birds in the coop when they don't have a mother hovering over them.
A duck that already has babies will often adopt abandoned ducklings, provided they're about the same age as her own. Perhaps her maternal instinct is strongest right after her young hatch, or she just can't tell them apart.
How to care for ducklings
As long as they're well cared for, ducklings can be reintroduced into the flock with no problems. It takes about 6-8 weeks for ducklings to become independent. If you're caring for abandoned ducklings, you should allow at least that long for housing.Water and Drowning
Ducks need an abundant water source and consume much more in a day than chickens. For lone ducklings, the water needs to be very shallow and ideally set up so they can't climb in.Very young ducklings are especially at risk of drowning because they don't yet produce a natural oil that protects them from waterlogging. They get some of their mother's oils by touch, which allows them to swim with them briefly, but she must know their limits.
Ducks shouldn't be allowed in the water until they're largely feathered in.
Food for Ducklings
Ducklings can eat any un-medicated chicken feed, ideally a starter or game bird feed as it has a higher protein content to promote their growth. The feed must be un-medicated because they consume more feed than chickens of similar size and overdose on medicated chicken feed.They should have free access to clean dry feed, even if they don't eat much at first. They also love snails, slugs, and garden bugs as well as grass, clover, greens, and lettuce.
Housing and Bedding
They need a home safe from predators and bedding. This can be a simple cardboard box, but ideally a Rubbermaid tote or something similar. Wood shavings, straw, leaves, or dry grass work well as long as you apply at least a 1 to 2-inch layer.Ducklings love to play in their water, and their droppings are much moister than chicken manure. Without adequate bedding, they'll get soaked and may die of hypothermia. Paper towels also work well but must be changed daily as they soak easily.
Heat
Many people will tell you how important heat is and give you instructions for a heat lamp and how to set it up so it's not a fire hazard. While a heat lamp is nice and can make them feel more comfortable, if you aren't able to set up a heat lamp, they'll probably still be fine.Ducks generally reach their full size within 8-12 weeks, depending on their breed. They'll need to be cared for at least 6 weeks before they can be safely reintroduced to the flock.
Have you encountered or cared for abandoned ducklings? Tell us more in the comments below.
