How to Calm Down Mallard Ducklings

Mallard ducklings are a little skittish with humans, but they can get used to you. They are social with other ducklings and desperately need company of at least two other ducklings. Like any other baby, mallard ducklings have basic needs and can grow anxious when those needs are not met.

Things You'll Need

  • Heat lamp
  • Two bowls
  • Water
  • Common garden weeds
  • Game-bird starter feed
  • Game-bird grower feed
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Instructions

    • 1

      Get at least two other ducklings if you only have one duckling. Mallard ducklings are social with other ducklings and grow upset when alone. It will most likely fail to thrive and eventually die if it is alone for too long.

    • 2

      Set up a heat lamp during the first week you have them. Mallard ducklings chirp incessantly when they are cold. The heat lamp should be around 80-90 degrees. If the source is too hot, they will stay away from it, so make it a little cooler. If the source is too cold, they will huddle around it. If you notice this, make it warmer. Ducklings need the warmth of their mother. If you are raising them without their mother, they need something to keep them warm. After a week, they should be comfortable at room temperature. If they have their mother, she will take care of everything. She knows what she is doing.

    • 3

      Check how much food they have. Mallard ducklings chirp if they are hungry. Keep a small bowl full of vegetable greens in their coop or cage. Common garden weeds will suffice. You should also mix in game-bird starter feed. Once they reach five weeks, switch to game-bird grower and pellets.

    • 4

      Check how much water they have. Ducklings get fussy if they are thirsty. Use a bowl or plate with fresh water. Fasten the bowl down to prevent the ducklings from spilling the water. If they spill it, they'll get upset because their thirst was not quenched. There should not be so much water that the ducklings wade or swim in it.