Baby Ducks (natural birth)

[ILoveWinter]

Hi about 6 months ago I bought two baby mallard ducks from Tractor Supply. One turned out to be male and the other female. So long story short, the female has been sitting on her eggs in a nest she built in their little duck house for a few weeks nows and sure enough we have four (at the moment) brand new baby ducks, as in one day old.

So I am wondering... is there anything I should do other than put some food and water in the house for the babies. They've been under her since hatching, but I walked out there an hour ago and saw them out of the nest jumping at mom duck looking as happy as could be.

Thanks!

- Jeff

P.S. why does everyone I talk to tell me about putting the eggs in an incubator and the internet says to put the baby ducks in a small enclosed area with a heat lamp? There are no incubators or heat lamps in nature other than mom duck and the sun.

 

[ILoveWinter]

Oh yeah, and one more question. Should I keep dad duck away from the babies?

Pictures to come...

 

[dorsetduckowner]

Ahh how lovely for you!!!
No need to do anything really.
They need unmediated chick crumbles for the first 2-4 weeks (maximum), protein contect between 18 and 21%. Between week 2 and 4 gradually mix in duck grower pellets at 14-15% protein. This is very important to avoid growth problems such as angel wing... unless they are totally free range in which case they will find their own food. Don't let them eat layers pellets.

Keep an eye on Dad, he may get aggressive but all cases are different.

Looking forward to pictures!
Zo

 

[Marigold]

Ahh how lovely for you!!!
No need to do anything really.
They need unmediated chick crumbles for the first 2-4 weeks (maximum), protein contect between 18 and 21%.
Zo

Did you mean unmedicated chick crumbles, Zo?

 

[dorsetduckowner]

he he, yes, not unmediated! iPhone fingers!