CoParenting?

[elusvbtrfly]

I have 3 Rouen hens and 1 drake. A month ago, roughly, one hen became serious about brooding a nesting of eggs (Emma). Now Emma was never serious about brooding until FM (Ferocious Mama) kept brooding this spring. But FM and her sister were acquired as a young adults and still not friendly with me. Thus FM is easily scared off her nest (if I change the bedding in the coop). Emma would occasionally sit on that nest for a few hours or maybe two days when FM scared off. This time Emma started brooding roughly a month ago. So here's the thing. FM would force Emma off the nest to lay her egg each day. This after a week of Emma already brooding. The nest ended up containing 14 eggs. I should mention this is outside the coop as they free range every day. As the time approached for hatching FM insisted on brooding also forcing Emma out who would only stay out for about half an hour all the while trying to get back on the nest. The end result, after 2 days of raucous arguing if you will, was coparenting. Emma stayed, FM also stayed during the day, but would go to coop some nights. 3 ducklings have hatched, Emma does not leave the nest save 10mn once or twice a day. The ones that hatched 3 days ago roam on their own, and FM follows them at a short distance to make sure to keep chickens away.
Is coparenting common among ducks? I thought the babies follow the mama? Like ducks are famous for that.

 

[Jenbirdee]

I have 3 Rouen hens and 1 drake. A month ago, roughly, one hen became serious about brooding a nesting of eggs (Emma). Now Emma was never serious about brooding until FM (Ferocious Mama) kept brooding this spring. But FM and her sister were acquired as a young adults and still not friendly with me. Thus FM is easily scared off her nest (if I change the bedding in the coop). Emma would occasionally sit on that nest for a few hours or maybe two days when FM scared off. This time Emma started brooding roughly a month ago. So here's the thing. FM would force Emma off the nest to lay her egg each day. This after a week of Emma already brooding. The nest ended up containing 14 eggs. I should mention this is outside the coop as they free range every day. As the time approached for hatching FM insisted on brooding also forcing Emma out who would only stay out for about half an hour all the while trying to get back on the nest. The end result, after 2 days of raucous arguing if you will, was coparenting. Emma stayed, FM also stayed during the day, but would go to coop some nights. 3 ducklings have hatched, Emma does not leave the nest save 10mn once or twice a day. The ones that hatched 3 days ago roam on their own, and FM follows them at a short distance to make sure to keep chickens away.
Is coparenting common among ducks? I thought the babies follow the mama? Like ducks are famous for that.

Oh my goodness those babies are so adorable. God bless you and them! And Yes, it happens.

 

[elusvbtrfly]

And a pic of 2 babies wandering with FM following.
Also, how long should I let Emma continue to brood? She's not off long enough for me to candle them. The drake took an egg out 2 days ago. I took it in the house and handled, definitely still pulsing, but nowhere near hatch ready. I put it back in nest as was still alive. But for how long?