I have a Silkie flock which has multiple broodies frequently. If two try setting together in the same nest, we place them together in a dog crate and then give them the eggs we want to hatch. We have tried it with 3 and even had successful hatched with 3, but have noticed chicks have a harder...
I would integrate sooner rather than later. The older the chicks the more older birds feel the need to show their dominance. Be aware that the mamas may scuffle in their instincts to protect the chicks, but also because they have been out of the flock for a bit.
Coop 1. 26 hens 4 roos. Due to some penning during breeding season one boy currently stays his distance from the flock. He is still able to come into roost.
In the past I have had 5 roos in this coop at once. It was fine as the flock master at the time kept tabs on everyone's behavior. At...
I have not had this situation, but I would guess you would approach it the same as other eggs hatching. Help Slowly and only when necessary. Look at the Guide to Assisted Hatching if you have not already done so.
Yes, separating a hen can cause more disruption when the hen is returned. Each time she returns she may need to demonstrate that she is in charge. Personally I would leave them together to work it out in the way chickens do.
I'm don't have experience with Livestock Guardian dogs, but my understanding is they need a lot of training for understanding who they are guarding and who they are guarding against. 6 months is still very much a puppy. Puppies are still learning how to function in their jobs (or families)...
Ducks can be scared of what they don't know, so that might be all you are dealing with.
On the other hand ducks sometimes stay out of the water due to dangers such as snappers.
If the ducks regularly go to the edge of the pond without going in I would just let them get in on their own time.
To tell if ducks are male or female look at the tail. Drakes get a curly feather that sticks up that hens do not normally get. Also listen to the quack. Drakes are raspy and low sounding. Hens have a louder clearer quacking sound. (With questions sometimes it is best to start a new thread)
Do you currently have chickens? Or are you just housing the ducks where the chickens have been?
If you are housing both chickens and ducks together no need for different feeds. Grown ducks can do fine on a standard poultry (chicken) feed, but nutritionally all flock food with around 20% protein...
Im not sure if there is anything that will help if her oil gland truly doesn't work. If is a matter of just getting it to function encourage her to get wet and preen frequently.
I believe your bird is a pullet. Those familiar with barred breeding would assume having that much white would make it male. Seeing it as a younger bird this definitely could have lead to those knowledgeable about breeding saying it is a male.
The mixed breeding has affected the coloring. I'm...
If I'm picturing your waterer correctly, the little black cap is to plug the hole where the water comes out while filling the waterer. In order to use the waterer you will need to find another way to fill the hole while filling. Once it is filled screw the lid back on first then remove the...
Has it been like this since you got her? How much does it affect her? Does she lay down frequently? Is she not able to move as fast as the other ducks? Any signs of actual pain?
If the eggs were put under the hen at the same time, they should hatch within a day or so if each other. Candeling a egg that is about to hatch should show obvious movement of the chick in the air cell. A moving air cell would be a sign of a dead egg.
If you want more chicks you could try day...
Hens that have been laying for a year and a half will take a break. Molting will likely begin soon. In the future they will take laying breaks more frequently.