muscovy ducklings

[swwblackhawk]

Hi I've just got some muscovies 1 drake 1 hen and 7 ducklings the drake was hand raised and very friendly the hen is not so friendly was wondering about separating the ducklings from the mother and hand raising this batch tobeuse to humans but I don't want to stress the mother or babies out so asking first for input

 

[Amiga]

I would ask @Going Quackers or @Miss Lydia - there are other very good Muscovy keepers, just these two came to mind.

 

[Miss Lydia]

With me I like to keep my mamas and babies together till mom has taught them all she knows. which is usually around 3-4 weeks. Although they have imprinted on her which is much more natural, After she has let them go their way they will come up to me for treats, I don't pick my ducks etc up unless I need to for some reason, they really don't like to be picked up, but they are pretty friendly, enough for me anyway. It just seems cruel to separate the mom from her babies after she has brooded for 35 days to hatch the lil ones.

Welcome!