How to Care for a Hatchling Duck

Ducks have a tendency to make nests in the most inappropriate places, such as next to swimming pools or backyards. Unfortunately, when people approach the nesting ducks, they get frightened and fly away, never to return to their nest and chicks. This often leaves the onus of caring for the ducklings on the person who discovered the nest. Newly hatched ducklings require some special care and looking after.

Things You'll Need

  • Large carton
  • Old newspaper
  • Hot water bottle
  • Infrared chick brooder lamp
  • Bread crumbs
  • Lettuce
  • Duck starter feed
  • Mealworms
  • Puppy dog food
  • Water
  • Insects
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Instructions

    • 1

      Line a big carton with some old newspaper, and transfer the newly hatched duckling to it. Change the newspaper regularly, as ducks can make a big mess.

    • 2

      Provide a heat source for the duckling. This is required for the initial three weeks. Have the heat source working day and night. During the day you can use a hot water bottle. At night, use an infrared chick brooder lamp to keep the duckling warm and secure.

    • 3

      Feed a few bread crumbs and finely chopped lettuce to the newly hatched duck. Ducklings are capable of feeding themselves from the day they hatch, so there is no need to force feed them. You can even create a mini weed garden for the duck by digging up a small patch of weeds along with the soil and placing it in a shallow tray so the duck can access it easily.

    • 4

      Feed the duckling mealworms, beetles, worms and puppy food softened with a little water if it does not appear to like bread crumbs and chopped lettuce.

    • 5

      Introduce duck starter feed to your duckling after a few days. Place the feed on a flat surface, such as the lid of an ice cream container, to make it easy for the duckling to reach. Remove uneaten food immediately.

    • 6

      Provide fresh water to your duckling every day. Keep a bowl in the enclosure, making sure to change it twice a day or when it appears dirty. Use an unused cat litter tray as a water bowl. Place a large, clean stone in the tray, so that the duckling can get out of the tray without any difficulties.

    • 7

      Get in touch with your local Fish and Wildlife Service if the duckling is a wild one. They will come and take the duckling and rehabilitate it once it grows older.