What to do next when the ducklings have already hatched and why you need a brooder

The appearance of ducklings is a joyful event on a personal plot. But, along with positive emotions, inexperienced farmers have a feeling of insecurity. They are glad that the ducklings have hatched, but they do not know what to do next. In the first days and weeks of life, chicks are weak and vulnerable. Wrong actions can destroy them. Therefore, you need to carefully and attentively help them until the ducklings get stronger.

What to do with ducklings after hatching?

Some poultry farmers do not take newborn chicks. They advise leaving the ducklings under the duck, and entrusting her with raising and caring. But the female does not always take care of the babies; there are times when she eats her own chicks. Also, in cold weather, it is not recommended to leave ducklings in the care of a duck.

You can pick up babies 30 minutes after birth. The brood should be placed in a warm room. In the early days, chicks are very vulnerable to cold weather. For the first seven days, ducklings should be kept at a temperature of + 28 ... + 30 ° C. From the second week, the temperature is reduced to +22 ° C, and from the third - to +16 ° C.

Lighting should be around the clock in the first days of babies' lives. Although they are ready to swim from the first week, it is recommended to release them into the water at three weeks of age. Bathing earlier can lead to colds. Until the 20th day, ducklings are taught to swim in a small container located indoors.

Newborn chicks should be heavily fed. You need to start after they are completely dry. The sooner they start eating, the faster they will develop a steady swallowing reflex. Weak babies are first watered with a weak solution of potassium permanganate.

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Since the chicks still do not understand anything, they should be taught to the trough. To do this, their backs are sprinkled with small pieces of boiled eggs. Falling into the feeder, the pieces will attract the attention of the yellow moths, and they will begin to peck them. As a result, the chicks will get used to eating from the feeder. Until the fifth day, ducklings need to be fed frequently, 5-6 times a day. After the first week and up to a month, the amount of dressings is reduced to 4 times. On the first day, hard-boiled eggs are used as food. On the second day, you need to mix the bran, eggs and milk and feed the resulting mixture to the chicks.

What is a brooder and what is it for?

A brooder is a container that imitates a brood hen, in which day-old ducklings are placed.The name is derived from the English word "brood", which means "to hatch" or "incubate". The brooder must meet the following conditions:

1. Provide warmth to babies. Many models have thermostats to set the optimum temperature.
2. Good ventilation is required. Chicks should feel comfortable and spacious inside.
3. Be sure to install lamps inside for lighting. Light sources are installed so that they do not burn the ducklings.
4. The floor must be dry and have a mesh through which waste enters the pallet.

The purpose of the brooder is to raise ducklings up to 45-50 days. It replaces the brood hen and provides a comfortable, safe environment. The brooder must be cleaned periodically to avoid infectious diseases. Finished products are sold, but you can make the device yourself.

What problems can arise?

Problems can arise from improper nutrition. If the chicks are not provided with high-protein food, meal, fishmeal, they will become weak, unable to walk, and in the future they may die. Also, you can not feed them sour foods or fresh bread.

Such food can lead to diarrhea and death in birds. The food must be finely chopped, otherwise the ducks will choke.

Be sure to monitor the temperature regime. The cold will kill the yellowworms. Ducklings should be kept separate from adult birds, which can cripple or kill them. Babies need to be handled with care as they have weak bones. There should be no sharp shiny objects near the birds, for example, glass shards, nails. Ducklings can swallow them and die.