hand rearing

[keeno]

At my place of work, we had 10 ducklings on our ornimental pond.Sadly 9 of them died,we dont know why?. one is ok, but we havent seen the mother in three days,do we need to hand rear this last baby, and how should we go about it?

[lankeela]

Ducklings are sent to rearing sheds at a day old, and they are fed on dry feed (like chick crumbs) so I should think it would be ok provided it is getting some food. Try putting some mash out for it but beware - it will think you are its mother and will start following you round saying 'momma. momma. momma.'

[wildwood]

Just how old is this duckling? If it doesn't have feathers yet the mother will be around somewhere or else it wouldn't have lasted 3 days without heat.

I presume these are wild ducks. Do they have walking (waddling) access to other waterways from your work? If you place of work is fenced the mother duck may well be flying out to feed and come back at night to brood the youngster. It must be getting some food somewhere; maybe a nearby garden with insects.

If it looks like the youngster is suffering, it is best to catch it up and let the SPCA or a bird rescue place look after it.

[feebee102]

Having reared duckings for one they are born with feathers as are all fowl(chickens,geese,turkeys etc).
If you have the space and facilities to hand rear it then do.
It would not survive on it's own and is easy prey to foxes and even other birds.
Place it in a box with straw in or wood shavings(I have hand reared a duckings and goslings many a time),with a wire mesh over the top so it cannot escape.Try to rig up a source of heat,a light bulb over the box.If it is to hot it will move away from the heat ,it is trial and error to getting it just right.I always put a cuddly toy in so it has something to nestle up to.
As Lankeela said they can eat dry chick crumbs if it is slightly older.Otherwise soak the crum in water till it is like a gruel.Warning duckings are very messy eaters and poohers.Always make sure it has a fresh water supply.
If you are succesfull and it grows give it a pond in the garden,and a lockable shelter.My ducks where quite happy with a childs paddling pool(water changed daily) untill there new one had been dug out.
Good luck.

[feebee102]

Sorry,just realised what Wildwood meant by the feathers.
Is it the fluffy young chick or is it getting it's proper feathers.

[feebee102]

what happened with the ducking?
Did it survive.