Advice for broody hens incubating duck eggs?

[Sunny Side Up]

I've done a brief BYC search on the topic and it seems you can give a broody hen duck eggs to incubate. I have 6 Khaki Campbell ducks, 1 drake & 5 hens, and several mixed-breed bantams who go broody on a regular basis.

So I think I'll give the next broody hen some duck eggs to incubate. Is there anything I should do differently during the incubation, hatch, or chick-rearing stages? How long does it take for a duck egg to hatch? Will the hen be likely to accept these newborns that look so different from her? Will they follow the Mama hen and peck at the goodies she will scratch up for them?

Thank you for your imput!

 

[flamingauburnmustang]

I wish I could help, but the only thing I can say is that I'm sure they will follow the hen around.

Once I hand reared chicks and they followed me all over the place. Wherever I tap my fingers, they go and peck at it.

 

[Southernbelle]

vfem hatched duck eggs with her broody Silkie. They take 28 days. I've heard it can be quite entertaining to see a mother hen freak out when her babies start heading for the water.

 

[flamingauburnmustang]

Quote:

That would be hilarious!!!!

Anyway. Let us know how it goes.

 

[swtangel321]

Ive read a few post on this subject, Do a search on it.

Alot of people feel it shouldnt be done b/c of the swiming thing, Others have had problems with there hens not accepting the duck babies.


IMO, I wouldnt do it.... I wouldnt risk what could happen. Baby ducks like to hit the water soon after they are born a mama hen wouldnt be able to take them, that could cause lots of problems.

I would just stick em in the bator if you really want to hacth them !!