Page 117 - Hand rearing birds second

Ducks, Geese, and Swans 101

Figure 5.4 A box set up for young ducklings. A mirror is helpful, especially with small groups or a single
duckling. Note duckweed in a flat pan of clean water and dried mealworms on top of saturated science diet
canine growth kibble. A white muslin fabric floor cover aids in detecting digestive problems in recently
admitted ducklings, while providing nonslippery footing.

Observation of behavior will be the best guide to several factors including whether the heat lamp
is adequate, too cold, or too warm; whether the brooder box space is adequate, or a larger area is
needed; and whether enough food is available. Chicks that huddle under the heat lamp are cold
and need increased heat. Chicks that stand away from the heat lamp or have their wings hanging
are overheated. Chicks should be allowed ample room to walk and exercise without being crowded
(Ritchie et al. 1994; Tarsnane 1996; Altman et al. 1997).
If caring for a single youngster, a clean cotton mop head (Ritchie et al. 1994) or feather duster
and a mirror in combination with a windup alarm clock that ticks may offer the chick security
(Figure 5.5). If using a feather duster, check for preservatives on the feathers that may give off toxic
fumes when wet.

Access to Swimming
Young waterfowl are nidifugous (i.e. leave the nest shortly after hatching), and when with their
parents can eat, swim, and dive soon after hatch (Ritchie et al. 1994). Having said that, chicks are
not waterproof when hatched and depend on their parents or parent to waterproof them, preening
on oil from the adult oil gland. Putting young chicks that have not had parental assistance in water-
proofing into the water will be fatal, due to hypothermia or drowning. Once the chicks are stable
and eating, usually several days after admission, begin to expose young birds to brief warm‐water
swims for a minute or two (Figure 5.6), and then put them back into the dry brooder under heat
95–99 °F (35.2–37.2 °C). If the chicks begin to shiver in the water, take them out immediately and
put them in the brooder. Short periods of swimming will encourage preening, which is necessary