Brooder vs Mother

[CastleCoop]

Ok, so our female Ancona is going to have ducklings soon, and we were wondering whether we should just let her take care of them, or if we should move them to a brooder. We've never had ducklings before, so I dont know what to do! Help!

 

[nchls school]

Ok, so our female Ancona is going to have ducklings soon, and we were wondering whether we should just let her take care of them, or if we should move them to a brooder. We've never had ducklings before, so I dont know what to do! Help!

A lot depends on you and how much you want ALL the ducklings to survive. With mom some are likely to be lost for one reason or another.
In a brooder, their chances of survival are much greater. But... it also means more work for you. When my call ducks mature this Fall and start nesting I will probably do as I do with the serama and phoenix bantams; let the mother care for them for the first week in a protected area to show them the art of living and then move the ducklings to a brooder.

 

[Miss Lydia]

I vote mama, ducks have been brooding hatching an raising a lot longer than us. There is always the exception and ducklings have to be taken but after all her work why not let her have a go at it? Just keep her an ducklings in a safe pen so everyone can see each other but ducklings are safe. I do this for a Couple of weeks. Such a blessing watching mamas and ducklings too.

 

[CastleCoop]

Alright thanks! I'll definitely see how mama duck does at first, (shes a first time mother) and if it looks like shes handling it, I'll let her care for them. One more question, our drake has been known to attack chickens if they get in the duck pen by accident...any chance he would attack the ducklings when they hatch?

 

[Miss Lydia]

Best to keep dad separated for at least 2-3 weeks but where all can see each other.

 

[CastleCoop]

Best to keep dad separated for at least 2-3 weeks but where all can see each other.

Thanks, will do.