Jun 3, 2021
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I'm new to this so I hope I'm doing the right thing, but if not please tell me!
My first broody bird ever just hatched 4 beautiful babies! She's a pekin Swedish blue cross and she hatched 4 fine, and I had to help the last one because she kept getting up and it got shrink wrapped. She is ok, luckily I had 3 day old ducklings in a brooder so she's with them now. We left the other 4 with momma.
This morning one of her ducklings was out alone, OUTSIDE THE COOP, so we took her inside because she was cold. A little while later she got up and left, left the other 3 babies, and started swimming and playing with the other ducks. We took the 3 inside. Now she's running around calling out and I know she's looking for her babies, so I brought them out for her, but she tried to lead them into the creek, which is very deep and has a strong current for babies. It's also very overcast today so it's not very warm. I took them back, she attacked me, I'm ok but I'm worried I'm being too cautious? It's her first time being a momma and my first time letting a bird hatch out. I'm worried about predators, the other birds, and one of the babies doesn't even seem to want to be with momma anymore. One keeps wandering off from her.
What do i do? Here are some pics of the babies because they're adorable.
 

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They are adorable.:love If mine I would not let mama take them to the creek not only can they drown but get washed away and also snapping turtles are hungry, If you can't make a place for mama and ducklings where they are safe and protected they are better off inside with the other ducklings and you.
 
I just had two mallard hens hatch a nest Sunday/Monday, and based on the advice from Miss Lydia, I blocked mine off. They are in the coop but the others can't get to the mamas and babies. And the mamas/babies can't get out to free range or anything. I haven't decided how long I'm going to keep them separated, but its a "look but can't touch" situation.
 

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