2 hens hatching a duckling

[connel62]

Hello all!
A little over a month ago a neighbor at work brought in some duck eggs that had been abandoned. I had a broody hen so I decided to stick a few under her. I gave the rest to our science teacher who brought them home but said they weren't fertile. I didn't have much hope for my 3, but i figured it couldn't hurt. Another hen started sitting on top of the first hen in the same box. Well today one hatched (the other two were rotten). I tried to move the baby and a mom inside, but both moms wouldn't sit on the baby inside. In the beating box they are vey motherly.
My questions are:
Do you think they will keep the baby safe from my other hens?
Once the baby starts walking, will the hens still work together to raise her?
Should I remove her from the coop to avoid the risk? They seem to be protecting her now, but who knows.
Thank you!

 

[limited25]

Sorry I cannot answer your questions, but that really is a cute picture.

 

[connel62]

Thank you! Baby is still walking wobbly so I wasn't in a rush but I just now picked up all 3 birds and transplanted them into a crate inside the coop to at least protect against the rest of my flock. They seemed okay with the move, all got up to eat, and then snuggled back together to go back to sleep. I didn't think hens would work together for one chick. What an interesting thing! Still hoping it lasts!!