Plant propogator as heat source for ducklings?

[Anonymous]

Hi there
I am about to start incubating 6 duck eggs. I am new to this although I do keep FR chickens.
My question is can I use an electric plant propogator as part of the brooder to keep them warm? I know I will have to allow them access to a cooler area in case they get too hot.
Will the plastic propogator give off enough heat from below, the brooder will be in the cottage.
Advice gladly received.

 

[Davidd]

Hi, i don't think it will be warm enough- especially for the first week or two- you need a brooder or a heat lamp- regards, David

 

[Tim]

I have seen people use these for chicks - with the lid on and vents removed and hole on one end to allow them in and out. Trouble is ducklings will make such a mess, there will soon be water and mess everywhere so you'd need to keep wet away from the power lead etc.

I use a garden plant tray and put small mesh chicken wire on the floor. I put cardboard sides around it and suspend a heat lamp at one end. For a bath, they get a paint roller tray - this has a nice ramp for them. When they make a mess, the whole tray can be emptied, washed and replaced. I do this every 2 or 3 days.

I find the ceramic heat lamps the best because they last ages and you can get lower wattage versions to use as the ducklings grow.