chickens raising ducks

[wildflowers]

So awhile ago we got 10 fertile duck eggs for our broody hens, there were two of them. Well on Monday they started hatching and were done by Tuesday. We got 7 ducks!!!

We thought that was very good for first time broodies, and if it isn't just let me think so. So the first day the chickens pretty much layed on the ducks, everyone looked good. The second day the ducks came out every so often, but you could see they never went too far from the chickens. Now today, well the chickens, who were used to free ranging a good bit of the time seem to want out and seem to almost be ignoring the ducks. I am not sure if they really are, or if it is because it is a warmer day they don't need to be huddled around the ducks? We are in the mid 80s today but after that we will go back to normal at mid 70s. So what usually happens? We have raised day old chicks, but I don't really know what to look for and what to do with chickens raising ducks. Are my chickens going to do this, or am I going to have to take over?

 

[chicken_china_mom]

Where are the pics?

Ok, that said, the ducks I got, I got from TSC and kept separated from my chickens and I had them in my bathroom in the brooder and they did just fine. I think that if you do separate your ducks from their surrogate mamas they will be fine. Just don't give them feed with antibiotics in it. My ducks are big now and in the flock with the chickens. In fact my bird brains think they ARE chickens! But it worked out for us. I think your babies will be ok. What kind of ducks are they?

 

[wildflowers]

sadly my camera is not working too well. I did get one the day they started hatching. I need to get some more, but it take a lot for my camera.

That is my barred rock laying on them.

Today they kinda got thrown around. The hens were in there scratching and they occasionally kicked a duck. But the ducks are in there eating bugs that they are scratching up. I am not sure that this is alright though. It is kinda nerve wracking seeing them topple. But yeah...

 

[wildflowers]

sorry they are muscovies. We do organic feed, they are on chick starter. Which is another problem. Our hens are eating all the chick starter!!! We put a dish out there with layer in it, but they are liking the starter.
Another question, when do they go back to laying?

 

[gottalovemychickens]

could take up to 5 weeks before they start laying again

 

[Chickn chick 46]

I don't have an answer for you but those ducks are adorable

Not knowing much about ducks, do they scratch around the ground like chickens? Someday I would like to have some ducks, I think they're cool