How to Care for a Baby Duckling

Baby ducklings can make lovely pets and according to duck expert Nancy Townsend of The Goose Mother.com, "They are very happy with most anything you provide as long as they can keep clean, well fed and be with you." Baby ducklings can be raised successfully on the farm or in an apartment with a few simple supplies and considerations.

Things You'll Need

  • Cardboard box, large litter box or small noninflatable child size swimming pool
  • Straw or old towels for bedding
  • Bird waterer from local farm store
  • Purina Start &Grow food
  • Lamp with a 40 to 60 watt bulb
  • Area free from dogs, cats or small children
Show More

Instructions

    • 1

      Prepare your duck habitat by placing straw or old towels in the container you have chosen.

    • 2

      Set the lamp outside the container and adjust it for comfort. Lamps with an adjustable neck work best, but you can also use a hot water bottle or hand warmers in a pinch as long as you cover them and the duckling can move away from the heat as necessary.

    • 3

      Fill the bird waterer and food container and place them in the nest box.

    • 4

      Place the duckling in the container and make sure you check the food and water twice daily. Provide water and food all day and never offer food without water. You can purchase a package of vitamins and electrolytes for the duckling at any feed store and add them to the water the first week to ensure that it gets a good start.

    • 5

      Bathe your duck when it is 2.5 weeks old by offering it a small container of water. A toddler-size pool or jumbo litter box works best. A bathtub or shower can also be used when the duck is fully feathered.

    • 6

      Take your duckling out daily to hold it and socialize with it.