Some friends with bantam call ducks have a question they asked me to pose to those with experience on the Coop site. When their ducklings are 1-2 weeks old and the temperature goes above 90 degrees outside, many of them seem to lose body control, have droopy heads, and then die within 2-4 hours. A local vet has speculated on the cause, but we would appreciate any suggestions from duck people out there. Thanks.

What are the conditions otherwise? Are they given plenty of fresh air, shade, water, and a bathing pond? I'm guessing at heat exhaustion, and I know all of the above would help. I didn't have any ducklings die, but I know I was going through unbelievable amounts of water. Also, I filled soda bottles with water, froze them and set them around outside so they could get close to them and cool down. We had some 117 degree days this year and none of my poultry went down from it.

Any help?

Jane

Thanks for your response. Conditions were good otherwise, with the accoutrements you mention. Thanks for the ice bottle tip. We use that for rabbits, but I never thought of using it for ducklings.

Any other possibilities out there?