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Sea Ducks 113

Drip-Feeding
Using a 1–3 ml syringe, a mixture of freshly thawed aquatic invertebrates (small species like plank-
ton, bloodworms, brine shrimp, and daphnea work well) are drawn up into the syringe with a
small amount of water. This water and invertebrate mixture is then dripped onto the bills of the
ducklings every 2–4 hours. It takes a few drip‐feedings for ducklings to acclimate to this method,
but this gives them a taste for the invertebrates that they will ultimately consume in a wet brooder.

Housing

Sea ducks and related species have strict housing requirements to maximize rearing success. Dry
brooders are generally inappropriate for sea ducklings unless being used during the initial care
period while waterproofing is being established (see Initial Care section). Sea ducklings require
constant access to swimming water in order to thrive in captivity. Swimming water can be provided
through various types of hybrid wet brooders and then ultimately in an outdoor aviary as the duck-
lings grow.

Hybrid/Wet­Brooder
The terms hybrid or wet brooders are used primarily in avicultural and zoo settings and refer to
either an above‐ground box or an in‐ground structure that features both swimming water and a dry
loafing area. The dry loafing area is usually located to one side of the brooder but can be created in
the center of a brooder as a sort of island. Hybrid or wet brooders promote natural foraging behav-
ior and are highly effective for the successful rearing of sea ducklings as well as many other water-
fowl species, as they allow the ducklings free access to swimming water at all times to maintain
excellent waterproofing.
Brooders should include a number of additional features. A hanging heat lamp should be pro-
vided over part of the loafing area that can be adjusted to the desired height based on the age of
the ducklings; halogen heat lamps (QC Supply) offer the added feature of water resistance as the
bulb will not explode if it gets inadvertently sprayed with water. A water line that allows a con-
stant flow of clean water to feed the swimming area should be available, along with a drain with
an overflow. An overflow is easily achieved with the use of a standpipe; the standpipe drains
excess water which keeps the surface water clean. When using a standpipe, cross‐bars should be
added to prevent small ducklings from being able to get stuck in the pipe. When feeding small
invertebrate prey items, a fine mesh can be stretched over the standpipe to allow water to drain
without losing valuable food; monitor the standpipe for clogging or flooding when using mesh
(Figures 6.4 and 6.5). Regardless of whether in‐ground or above‐ground, a brooder must provide
a gentle slope or ramp to allow ducklings to get in and out of the swimming water easily. The dry
area of the brooder is often covered with an easily washable, drainable substrate, such as unbacked
vinyl coil matting (Cactus Mat). A combination of staple diet and natural food items should be
provided in the swimming water; the staple diet should also be provided on the dry side of the
brooder (either sprinkled directly onto the substrate, onto a paper towel, or offered in a shallow
tip‐proof dish close to the water).
Brooders may have to be cleaned two to four times daily depending on brooder size. If a brooder
needs to be cleaned more than four times daily, the brooder is either too small or there are too
many ducklings housed in the brooder. Maintaining a clean brooder environment for the ducklings