orphan ducklings.

[ultimate hunter]

today as i was out and about, i set up in a cattle shed shooting ferals nesting in the roof and rats and crows eating the feed. i could hear a squeaking noise and after 10 minutes found two mallard ducklings trapped behind a water trough. i rescued them and left them out to see if the mother came back but she didn't. so i have taken them in. i have them in a cardboard box with wood shavings under a 100 watt light bulb which is providing plenty of heat. someone told me they will eat milk and bread mashed up, and to also give them a bowl of water. is this adequate considering that they have spent most of there short life in the wild. they do not seem to be very old. maybe a week or so. any other tips will be great

 

regards

[Ferret Master]

If they don't have feathers yet don't let them get in the water because the ducklings get oil from their mother's feathers to keep them waterproof but they won't have this yet.

 

FM

[dazza]

http://www.david.crocker2.btinternet.co.uk...ng_duckling.htm

[ultimate hunter]

thanks dazza. that has proved to be very useful

 

regards

[Teal]

The easiest birds to rear possibly? Lucky you've only got two, they make a lot of mess!! I always start them off on chick crumbs, the food you're giving them will go sour quickly under the heat, and isn't ideal.