Technical points of brooding heat management in duckling rearing

Temperature is the main technical measure in brooding ducklings. Only when the temperature is suitable do ducklings consume less body heat, grow and develop quickly, and achieve a high survival rate. At 1-3 days of age, 32-34°C; at 4-6 days of age, 28-30°C; at 7-10 days of age, 24-26°C; at 11-13 days of age, 20-22°C. The temperature is lowered gradually, with daily temperature changes not exceeding 2°C. Under different climatic conditions, heating or cooling should be based on the behavioral performance of the ducklings, meeting the ducklings' requirement for the optimal temperature as much as possible.

If the temperature is too low, the ducklings feel cold and huddle close to the heat source to warm each other, often causing crushing injuries or death by suffocation; if the temperature is too high, the ducklings move away from the heat source, pant with open beaks, and drink more water; when the temperature is normal, the ducklings are full of energy, lively, have a good appetite, drink a moderate amount of water, have bright down, stretch their legs and backs, are evenly distributed, lie quietly without making noise, and eat, drink, and excrete normally.