Author Topic: My Geriatric Ducks Ducklings (Read 1913 times)

Kitchen Cottage · « **on:** August 04, 2014, 11:54:06 am »

My, elderly, Indian Runner Ducks hatched 3 ducklings out 10 days ago. They were broody but I didn't expect anything because, frankly, they are mature.

I have left them to it and the ducklings are all still alive....

However, they are swimming, and certainly very "jumpy".

They don't seem massively bigger than last week and someone suggested they should have put on half a pound.

Basically they are getting chick crumb (which says its okay for ducklings) and fresh water and I am leaving Mums to it....

ella01 · « **Reply #1 on:** August 09, 2014, 02:26:55 pm »

I would think the older the duck then the better mother it makes as is more experienced. Have heard that ducks can live to ten and even twenty years.Are the ducklings all the same size? If not maybe one is getting more food than the others.
My ducks never lived long as one lot were taken by the fox and the others(Khaki Campbells) just flew from the stream to the river and were not seen again but I'm thinking of getting some more as have always loved ducks.

doganjo · « **Reply #2 on:** August 09, 2014, 06:11:13 pm »

My IR/KC drake and ducks often go for a wander upstream where the burn is deeper, but they are back every afternoon for their tea.

Not getting any eggs just now, so I'm wondering if we have shed visitors overnight - might pop out in the dark with a flashlight if i feel brave enough

northfifeduckling · « **Reply #3 on:** August 09, 2014, 08:03:45 pm »

Quote from: Kitchen Cottage on August 04, 2014, 11:54:06 am

My, elderly, Indian Runner Ducks hatched 3 ducklings out 10 days ago. They were broody but I didn't expect anything because, frankly, they are mature.

I have left them to it and the ducklings are all still alive....

However, they are swimming, and certainly very "jumpy".

They don't seem massively bigger than last week and someone suggested they should have put on half a pound.

Basically they are getting chick crumb (which says its okay for ducklings) and fresh water and I am leaving Mums to it....

Congratulations!

What is elderly to you, how old are your girls?
If you are concerned you can try some porridge, I found it great as a starter for ducklings and mums. In the first week the growth may not appear that much but imagine an egg...could they have doubled in size?

Kitchen Cottage · « **Reply #4 on:** August 10, 2014, 08:26:25 am »

The fox/cat/heron got them at 10 days old

northfifeduckling · « **Reply #5 on:** August 10, 2014, 10:51:54 am »

OH, so sad to hear!
Sparrowhawk would be my first suspect, I've seen them in action, since then I've always locked new mums away under netting with a safe house for the night. Maybe your girls are not too old to try again...