What is necessary for raising ducklings?
July 16, 2014
Raising ducklings was a milestone on the way to our ultimate goal of returning them to nature. The ducklings arrived at our house for the first time. Since we had never raised ducklings before, we hurried to a nearby store that sold parrot feed. We told the owner of the parrot store that we had rescued the ducklings, which had been abandoned. The owner recommended a type of parrot feed, but admitted that he wasn’t very knowledgeable about it. In fact, since the shop owner had never raised ducks before, we realized we would have to find the appropriate feed ourselves.
We bought a large bag of parrot feed and made a square box to serve as a temporary home for the ducklings. We also made a water dish and spread the feed out widely so they could play and eat.
Water is essential for ducks
The most important short-term goal is to provide ducklings with the essential nutrients they need for growth. Lacking experience in raising ducklings, we had to search for various information. To achieve this goal, we realized that they needed not only water to drink but also water to swim in. This is because they are ducks. Since they are ducks, we thought they would need water, so we created a shallow pond. Although the ducklings had never learned to swim, they were moving around well on the water. It was truly fascinating and adorable. I realized that ducks are animals that can instinctively survive in water. I scattered bluebird feed into the water for the ducks to eat, but the feed didn’t float. Watching it sink to the bottom, I realized they needed a different type of food.
Warmth needed for ducklings
July 17, 2014
The ducklings, which had been in the water for a long time, seemed to want to get out. We pulled them out of the water and dried them with small towels. I don’t know what they eat well. If their mother duck were here, she would surely know what is good for them… We still lack information. It was clear that they needed to maintain their body temperature. So, we cut up all the washed, warm socks and spread them out like a blanket. We also cut up other washed socks, rolled them into balls, and placed them on top. This created a cave-like space where the ducklings could crawl inside. When I put my hand inside, it felt quite warm.
Cute baby ducks taking a nap
I discovered another important thing about raising ducklings. These ducklings are just entering their growth stage, so their behavior patterns seem very fast. They eat quickly, sleep quickly, and run around quickly, repeating this cycle over and over. They seemed to be eating only a little, so I hurriedly bought some vegetables. It didn’t seem like the parrot feed alone was enough. Even though it was summer, the ducklings seemed to want to feel some warmth. Watching the ducklings sleep inside the sock nest brought me great joy.
Is the nest too hot?
The ducklings would gradually poke their heads out of the nest while sleeping. But when I looked closely, it seemed a little warm. At first, I thought they might be sick because they were spread out, but when I woke them up, they were fine. The sight of the ducklings lying down and sleeping made me smile. They were so cute.
Newly created play area for ducks
June 18, 2014
We spent another day. The ducks are healthy and doing well. We bought a large water container to create more space for the ducklings. We also made a feeding dish by mixing parrot feed with edible vegetables. Of course, since the ducklings were still very small, the feeding dish was large enough for the three of them to roll around and play in.
Baby ducks spending a few days in good health
Although they were still small, their feathers were much fluffier and shinier than when we first met them. We were so relieved that they were healthy. I wondered how long it would take for them to return to nature in good health. At the same time, watching the ducks filled me with boundless happiness.
Baby ducks with an ever-widening range of movement
June 19, 2014
Now the ducklings are wandering around every corner of the house. We were cleaning up the droppings they left behind as they moved around. They were so beautiful and adorable, quickly running around and pecking at anything that caught their curiosity with their small beaks. Most bird chicks are cute, but these spot-billed ducklings are especially adorable because of their unique feather patterns. It’s already been four days since I met the ducklings. I didn’t realize time was passing so quickly. I’ve never raised children, but now I think I understand a little bit how parents feel. I’ll continue writing this diary in the next story. I’m grateful to everyone who encouraged me to write this.
