Captive Care for Ducklings

Task Checklist for Captive Duckling Care – Ward A

Use this checklist to confirm that you have successfully completed excellent duckling care.

INCUBATORS – Before you leave Ward A, check the following:

 Incubators are set at 95ºF.
 Door is fully closed.

 Humidity water tray is full.

 There is food for ducklings.

 There is a small, heavy ceramic water bowl filled with water.

 There is a thin towel covering the bottom and is relatively dry.

 There is a “nest” – small dish covered with a small towel.

For Singletons Only:

 There is a clean feather-duster

 A mirror, safely secured and stable

BROODERS – Before you leave Ward A, check the following:

 Check heat lamp is set correctly for each duckling group. Double check heat needs
on each groups cage. (Note: the last 4 days ducklings are inside, heat lamp should
be off).
 Heat lamp is arranged above nest at a reasonable and safe distance from brooder.
 Lid is closed and fully secured.

 There is only the wire frame at bottom of brooder. No towels.

 Water tray is full and secured, and ducklings can get in/out easily.

 There is food for ducklings.

 There is a “nest” – a small dish covered with a small towel and placed directly
under heat lamp.
 Towel covers the front and half of the top of the brooder. Check that the towel is
not too close to heat lamp, especially if it is on.

Created by: Amy Shipley, Instructional Designer

 Captive Care for Ducklings

Task Checklist for Captive Duckling Care – Outside Wards

Use this checklist to confirm that you have successfully completed excellent duckling care.

N-WARDS – Before you leave N-Wards, check the following:

 Pools are filled to the first (lowest) step.
 There is a ramp from the first (lowest) step to the water, so ducklings can get out of
the pool.
 Concrete is fully covered with daisy doormat.

 Lettuce and food is on top (highest) step. Lettuce is not chopped too fine. Grain is in
a shallow bowl (2 dishes minimum – 1 dish for every 2-3 animals).
 A “hide” (carrier lid) is provided only for 2-4 week old ducklings for shelter.

 A “step up” or ramp should be offered between the first (lowest) step and top
(highest) step for very small ducklings to ensure they can reach their food.

PELI-PLAYGROUNDS– Before you leave the Peli-Playgrounds, check the following:

 Floor is fully covered with daisy doormat.
 A black pool tub is filled with water and pushed securely to the side of the wall.

 There are brick “stairs” both inside and outside of tub.

 There is food for ducklings. (2 dishes minimum – 1 dish for every 2-3 animals).

 “Hide” (carrier lid) is NOT included.

WINDOW AVIARIES– Before you leave the Window Aviaries, check the following:
 Floor is fully covered with daisy doormat (except in the pool).
 Rock or log placed flat in water (not on drain top).

 Drain lid is secure.

 “Hide” (carrier lid) is NOT included.

 There is food for ducklings.

Created by: Amy Shipley, Instructional Designer