Should ducklings sleep in the dark?

[RasppberrY]

We got our duckling yesterday and we're not quite sure how old she is. We've given her water and cat food mixed with soggy toast. We're worried that she's not settling in well because she hasn't been sleeping for long. We have a heat lamp but I'm scared that it's too bright for her to sleep with. She's also not moving around much. We don't know if we're doing something wrong or if this is normal. HELP PLEASE!

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

Your ducklings needs other ducklings as well a duckling or chick starter. The light doesn't matter. Not having other ducklings and correct feed will matter.

 

[RasppberrY]

Ok, thank you! I'll try this! Since we found our duckling it's gonna be quite hard to get another one. Another thing is, should we be letting it put it's face in the water?

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

Ok, thank you! I'll try this! Since we found our duckling it's gonna be quite hard to get another one. Another thing is, should we be letting it put it's face in the water?

Yes, it will clean out it's nostrils by submerging them in the water.

 

[Miss Lydia]

Try putting a non breakable mirror in with her and a stuffed animal while you try to find another duckling. It’s okay to feed cat food as a treat once in a while but it’s not a well balanced food the duckling needs feed made for poultry like oldhenlikesdogs suggested. Pictures when you can. Also put a thermometer in her brooder so you can keep track of how warm it is.

 

[Jpat]

The mirror and stuffed animal works great

And mine always sleep some the eat some then drink some through the day then are quiete all night

Its always dark at night for mine i use a heat element bulb

 

[guardianoftheflock]

We got our duckling yesterday and we're not quite sure how old she is. We've given her water and cat food mixed with soggy toast. We're worried that she's not settling in well because she hasn't been sleeping for long. We have a heat lamp but I'm scared that it's too bright for her to sleep with. She's also not moving around much. We don't know if we're doing something wrong or if this is normal. HELP PLEASE!

Your little guy needs a friend! Ducks are companion animals!!! You need to feed him/her chick starter too, but the light doesn't matter. Have fun! I love ducks!!!

 

[RasppberrY]

Thanks! I'll try to send a few pictures when I can. I'll also try out the mirror thing. We've put some pompoms in her bed but she doesn't really like to sleep there.

 

[RasppberrY]

Another weird thing is that she keeps sitting in her water and doesn't like human interaction. We keep trying to give her some space but we don't like the fact that she might get hypothermia?

 

[Miss Lydia]

I bet she’ll like a mirror it makes them feel they are not alone