Ducklings can be artificially brooded in almost the same way as baby chicks. Due to their rapid growth, ducklings will need heat for shorter periods of time, but floor space requirements will increase more rapidly. Any small building, garage or barn corner can be used as a brooding area for small numbers of birds. The brooding area should be dry, reasonably well lighted and ventilated, and free from drafts. Cover the floor with about 4 inches of absorbent litter material such as wood shavings, chopped straw or peat moss.
Damp litter is more of a problem for ducklings than for chicks.
Good lit-ter management requires frequent removal of wet spots and addition of clean, dry litter. Be sure litter is free of mold. Infrared heat lamps are a convenient source of heat for brooding small numbers of birds. Heat lamps provide radiant heat to the birds under them. Since the air isn't heated, room temperature isn't so important.