An abandoned muscovy hatchling

[GottaBeIrish]

Hey everyone, I was just wanting to give an update on the muscovy duckling that was abandoned in our barn yesterday. The story starts with a mama muscovy laying her eggs on the top of our hay bails that we feed the cows with, and next thing you know she has laid 8 eggs! Which in my opinion seems to be a large hatch. But a few days ago we peeked up there to check on mama and the eggs. They weren't eggs any more ! Yesterday I went to go check and see how she was doing. She and the chicks were gone, mama had gotten her ducklings down off of the 7 foot pile of hay bails. All but one. Who seemed to have hatched after she had left.

I checked to make sure it hadnt died from being too cold. I qaited an hour to see if the mama had come back and she hadnt. So I took matter's into my own hands and made a little brooding box for the little one.

as you can see in the picture it has a sibling that didn't seem to make it out of the egg, or it was just infertile. But now I am happy to be taking on the responsibility of being a mother. (I'm a guy) haha many more updates to come as we go on this little muscovy adventure

 

[Gray Farms]

The hen may take it if you offer it to her. I'd try it. I've done it a few times. Either put out near her or put it under her in the night. Want to do it asap though.

 

[GottaBeIrish]

I was going to do that but the mama has left the property, I can't find her anywhere.

 

[Gray Farms]

Guess its yer baby now. Muscovys are tough and grow fast. 3-4 weeks and they won't need a heat lamp if it stays over 60 at night. You may already know this, just saying.

 

[GottaBeIrish]

Ok, thank's for the advise

 

[Gray Farms]

Your welcome. 8 is quite a small hatch for a Muscovy. Mine typically hatch 15-20 twice a year, each time.

 

[GottaBeIrish]

Oh wow! Guess I have a bit to learn haha. I'm still pretty new with ducks