We bought some fertile eggs for a broody hen to hatch and the breeder threw in a couple of duck eggs from his breeding pair of Silver Appleyards (these are purebreds and he spent almost a year working with another breeder to get them). Anyway, the SAs are very young and I think he really didn't expect the eggs to be fertile but on a lark tossed them in. WELL, the chickens-chicks hatched under their surrogate momma and I moved the duck eggs to the bator. We now have ONE silver appleyard baby and a duck momma (ME!) who knows nothing about ducks.
I've done some research on the Internet but it would seem that comparatively speaking there is very little info on hatching ducklings....what temperature do I keep the brooder at? 90? 95? I"ve got the unmedicated chicken mash & added water to it...it's pretty darn soupy. I've got a water dish set up with rocks in it just like I do for my chicks. I put a beanie baby SIZED pet safe plush toy in the box for a "pal."
Should I pull one of the sex link chicks (1 week old) from the "nursery" and put it in the brooder with baby duck or just let him be alone?
I understand these ducks are rare-ish and this little one seems to be healthy and strong...I certainly don't want to screw anything up. ANY help you could offer would be most appreciated!
many thanks!!
I've done some research on the Internet but it would seem that comparatively speaking there is very little info on hatching ducklings....what temperature do I keep the brooder at? 90? 95? I"ve got the unmedicated chicken mash & added water to it...it's pretty darn soupy. I've got a water dish set up with rocks in it just like I do for my chicks. I put a beanie baby SIZED pet safe plush toy in the box for a "pal."
Should I pull one of the sex link chicks (1 week old) from the "nursery" and put it in the brooder with baby duck or just let him be alone?
I understand these ducks are rare-ish and this little one seems to be healthy and strong...I certainly don't want to screw anything up. ANY help you could offer would be most appreciated!

many thanks!!