Broody duck on chicken eggs.

[HomesteadGirl1234]

I have broody duck sitting on 1 duck egg, that's all we planned for under her. But it turns out a sneaky chicken snuck in and kicked mama duck out to lay eggs. I caught it after seeing her chase mama duck out. By then there were already forming chicken eggs under mama duck so we left them. My question is can a duck successfully raise a chick? Of course we would make sure there is no water deep enough for baby to drown in, but other than that will it work or do I need to figure out what to do with the babies?

 

[sourland]

When the eggs pip I have had problems with ducks crushing chicken eggs with their webbed feet as the shells are thinner than duck eggs. Ducks tend to brood less than chicken hens and sometimes allow chicks to become chilled. Also understand that since chicks have a shorter incubation period than ducklings the duck may leave the nest before the duckling hatches. I have had good luck raising ducklings with chicken hens, but generally poor luck with the converse.

 

[HomesteadGirl1234]

When the eggs pip I have had problems with ducks crushing chicken eggs with their webbed feet as the shells are thinner than duck eggs. Ducks tend to brood less than chicken hens and sometimes allow chicks to become chilled. Also understand that since chicks have a shorter incubation period than ducklings the duck may leave the nest before the duckling hatches. I have had good luck raising ducklings with chicken hens, but generally poor luck with the converse.

Oh no, that makes me nervous for my baby. I just checked tonight (I have let her be for the most part, not checking very much, it bothers her.) We do have a baby chick under her talking away. What would you suggest I do??

 

[sourland]

How much longer till the duckling is due to hatch ? If more than a day, I would be tempted to remove the chick and raise it in a brooder. Generally hens - duck/chicken will leave the nest within 36 hours after the first chick/duckling hatches.

 

[HomesteadGirl1234]

I think its soon. I picked up the eggs a couple days ago and could feel baby move in the egg.

 

[HomesteadGirl1234]

Baby banty chick is doing well this morning! Came out to run around then mama duck nudged babe back under her. Mama is doing very well so far!

 

[Miss Lydia]

Pics when you can

 

[spoiledbon]

You might want to have either another broody hen or incubator ready bc after a few days she will leave the nest & remaining eggs now that she has successfully started hatching some. I had a similar issue with a duck thief and out of 7 eggs my only survivor is the one I had to remove as soon as she was done hatching. Mama Duck ended up squishing/suffocating them accidentally. 4 yrs later I now have a spoiled rotten house chicken bc it was so late in the year I couldn't find a chick close to her size to put her with. She actually sat on 17 Muscovey duck eggs herself and 14 hatched.

 

[HomesteadGirl1234]

Here is baby

 

[Miss Lydia]

Aww so tiny too. How’s mom doing with it,I would be worried to that little might get squashed