There are a few common terms used to refer to baby ducks, depending on the duck’s age and stage of development. The most generic term is simply “duckling.” However, more specific terms can be used as well.
Newly Hatched Ducklings
When a duck first hatches from its egg, it is called a “hatchling.” Hatchlings are covered in down and are unable to regulate their own body temperature. They rely fully on their mother for warmth and protection. Hatchlings imprint on their mother duck during the first few days of life and will follow her everywhere.
Few Weeks Old
After a couple of weeks, ducklings develop juvenile plumage and can better regulate their body temperature. At this stage, they are referred to simply as “ducklings.” Ducklings still rely heavily on their mother for food and protection. They will continue following her closely in a line with their siblings, a behavior known as “crèching.”
Fledglings
At around 6-8 weeks old, ducklings will develop flight feathers and begin attempting to fly. Once ducklings can fly reasonably well, they are called “fledglings.” Fledglings are still under the care and supervision of their mother, but have more independence. They can find their own food and avoid predators more effectively.
What do Ducklings Eat?
Ducklings require high protein diets for proper growth and development. Their dietary needs change as they mature.
Newly Hatched Ducklings
For the first few days after hatching, ducklings live off the nutrients stored in their egg yolk. This is absorbed into their bellies before hatching.
After this, hatchlings need access to food immediately. They eat small insects, worms, millipedes, and food their mother provides. The mother duck brings food to the nest or takes the ducklings to water to forage.
Few Weeks Old
As ducklings grow over the first few weeks, they eat greater quantities of insects, worms, and grubs. They are also able to forage for small plants, seeds, and aquatic vegetation under the mother’s supervision.
Ducklings at this stage still get some food from their mother’s crop milk. This is a high protein secretion produced in the crops of female ducks to feed hatchlings.
Fledglings
Fledgling ducks eat a wide variety of plant and animal foods. They forage for aquatic plants, grasses, seeds, fruits, and grain. They also eat aquatic insects, small fish, tadpoles, mollusks, and crustaceans.
Fledglings are less reliant on their mother, finding most of their own food. But they may still get supplemental feedings from the mother’s crop milk secretions.
Unique Duckling Behaviors
Ducklings display some interesting behaviors and abilities in their early weeks of development.
Imprinting
Ducklings imprint on their mother or caregivers in the first few days after hatching. They will then identify with and follow those individuals. This imprinting sets the stage for other behaviors.
Swimming
Most ducklings can swim immediately after hatching, guided by instinct. But some diving duck species may need a day or two to develop swimming skills. Ducklings get progressively better at swimming over their first few weeks.
Crèching
Ducklings have an instinct to follow their siblings in a line behind their mother while foraging. This is called crèching behavior and helps keep the brood together.
Feeding
Ducklings know to peck for food from a very early age. But initially, the mother duck must show them suitable foods and feeding areas. Their foraging skills improve quickly with time.
Duckling Developmental Stages
Ducklings go through a series of growth phases, gaining new abilities at each stage:
Hatchling (Day 1)
– Breaks out of egg shell
– Dries off down feathers
– Imprints on mother or caregiver
– Follows mother immediately
Hatchling (Days 2-5)
– Swims and dives fairly well
– Feeds on insects mom provides
– Sleeps tucked under mom’s wing
– Relies on mom for warmth
Early Duckling (Weeks 2-4)
– Grows juvenile feathers
– Follows mom closely in crèche line
– Becomes more independent
– Feeds on aquatic plants and insects
Late Duckling (Weeks 5-7)
– Develops strong swimming abilities
– Begins flapping wings
– Forages farther from mom
– Feeds on diverse plant and animal foods
Fledgling (Week 8 Onward)
– Grows flight feathers
– Able to fly short distances
– Finds own food supply
– Less reliant on mother
– Reaches sexual maturity
Raising Ducklings
If you plan to raise ducklings, either as pets or for farming, there are some important care considerations.
Proper Housing
Ducklings need a brooder or pen with bedding, a heat lamp, and clean water. Make sure to keep their area warm but not too hot.
Adequate, Healthy Food
Supply starter feeds with 20% or higher protein. Provide insect foods like mealworms and plenty of fresh forage materials.
Protection from Predators
Keep ducklings safe from predators like birds of prey, snakes, foxes, raccoons, and rats. Accompany them when allowing outdoor foraging.
Space to Swim
Ducklings should have access to a small plastic kiddie pool or pond. Supervise their swimming times.
Proper Sanitation
Clean bedding, replace water, and wash supplies daily to prevent disease. Disinfect any outdoor areas too.
Prevent Overcrowding
Overcrowding causes stress and poor sanitation. Allow at least 2 square feet indoor space per duckling.
Following these tips will help raise healthy and thriving ducklings!
Common Health Issues in Ducklings
Young ducklings are vulnerable to some health problems. Being aware of these can help you identify and address any that emerge.
Health Issue | Cause | Symptoms | Treatment |
---|---|---|---|
Pasteurellosis | Bacterial infection | Listlessness, swelling, diarrhea | Antibiotics |
Duck Virus Enteritis | Duck plague virus | Diarrhea, death | Decontamination, vaccines |
Aspergillosis | Fungal infection | Labored breathing, lethargy | Antifungal medication |
Intestinal Parasites | Worms, protozoa | Weight loss, diarrhea | Dewormers, antiparasitics |
Bumblefoot | Bacteria entering pad | Foot swelling, lameness | Antibiotics, foot baths |
Keeping facilities very clean and practicing good sanitation procedures helps prevent many duckling diseases. Isolate and treat any sick ducklings promptly. Consult a veterinarian for proper diagnosis and treatment if needed.
Interesting Duckling Facts
Here are some fascinating tidbits about baby ducks!
- Ducklings hatch covered in a soft, fuzzy down. This keeps them warm and dry.
- Most domestic ducklings are precocial, meaning they can walk and swim right after hatching.
- Ducklings will also forage for small insects and aquatic plants very soon after hatching.
- A mother duck leads her ducklings to water within a day after hatching so they can learn to swim.
- Ducklings have a special chirp they use to identify each other and communicate in the brood.
- Within their first two weeks, ducklings establish a social hierarchy with a lead duckling.
- Ducklings initially drink by submerging their entire head in water. Later they are able to sip and tip their head back.
- Young ducklings often nap together in a pile or huddle under their mother’s wings.
- Ducklings obtain some immunity from their mother in the egg but also from antibiotics in her crop milk.
- Most domestic ducks reach full adult size by 8-10 weeks old.
These are just a few of the many intriguing behaviors and abilities of adorable little ducklings! Their rapid development allows them to thrive in their environment.
Conclusion
There are several common terms used for baby ducks depending on their age, including hatchling, duckling, and fledgling. Ducklings have specialized needs and behaviors in their early weeks of rapid growth and development. With proper feeding, housing, sanitation, and protection, ducklings can be raised to become healthy adult ducks. Watching ducklings progress through their amazing developmental changes is an enjoyable experience for many duck raisers and nature lovers!