Page 118 - Hand rearing birds second

102 Hand-Rearing Birds

Figure 5.5 A solitary duckling with a mirror
to help the chick not feel alone, which is
very stressful.

Figure 5.6 A Mallard duckling during swim time. Chicks must be able to exit the water to warm and preen.
Source: photo courtesy of International Bird Rescue.

for the plumage to become waterproof. Chicks that have become contaminated with food or feces
will have more problems becoming waterproof and will need many short swims to work out the
problem areas. Dry brooders should be used initially until the young birds are eating well and are
comfortable with finding the heat lamp when chilled. Supplemental heat will be required for most
waterfowl young until they are feathered. However, heat lamp temperatures can be gradually low-
ered to 75 °F (24 °C) by age 3 weeks and maintained at that temperature, allowing the young to
choose heat if they desire.