duck gone broody

[danahud]

We couldn't take the mess any more so Merry Christmas to me the ducks went outside today with their momma and daddy. Everyone is getting along splendidly. The babies are following every move momma makes and she is perfectly happy with that it seems. My drake is very patient with them as well. Not a mean bone in that sweet boys body.

 

[Miss Lydia]

We couldn't take the mess any more so Merry Christmas to me the ducks went outside today with their momma and daddy. Everyone is getting along splendidly. The babies are following every move momma makes and she is perfectly happy with that it seems. My drake is very patient with them as well. Not a mean bone in that sweet boys body.

Wonderful they are all doing so good together. Nice merry Christmas.

 

[klemele]

I need some help... I week ago my Rouen Duck female went broody... Is it normal and food for her to get off once and awhile? And she is such a good momma so far!! Keeping her eggs toasty warm! Should I seperate the mother and the eggs into a brooder when they start to pop?

 

[klemele]

Oops pip

 

[danahud]

Kemele,
My female went broody in november. She got off the eggs every day to go for a swim and eat. All of her eggs hatched except for one e that had no activity whatsoever.
The problem I faced with allowing momma to raise them was that the ducklings grow so quickly and can't all get under momma. I wound up bringing get mine inside because I had a couple die from being chilled.
If you are in a warmer climate u should be ok, if not go ahead and bring them inside.

 

[klemele]

Ok thanks!! I live in Wisconsin and she is my baby! She hops on my lap when I sit down! My other female lays her eggs there too (where my broody female sits) and she isn't protective at all! Does that mean she trusts me? And when they molt feathers (only some) does that mean that she is keeping them warmer? And one final question in the brooder do you keep the mother with them? So she can help keep them warm along withy when heat lamp?

 

[klemele]

Thank you for answering my questions! My business is breeding ducks and this is my first year! I am also only 13 years old!! Should I close her off away from the male and other female?

 

[danahud]

She is actually pulling down to help keep the eggs warm, this helps in distributing humidity and helping to insulate while.she is off the nest. I wouldn't worry about the others. They would t harm a broody or her eggs. The only issues u might have is with the other female laying get her eggs I the same nest. You can mark the eggs she began setting on with a pencil and just take the ones from the other hen out daily.
I didn't bring my hen inside with the babies. Duck poop is super messy and I wouldn't want to deal with mommas poop. The heat lamp should be fine to keep the babies warm. Just make sure to keep it away from any fire hazards.

 

[klemele]

Ok!!! Was this clutch your females first? Because I hear that usually a females first clutch she gives up on it and leaves when there is only a week left. Did your do that? And how old is she? My female is about 10 months old. And should I close her off from the others and the male? He doesn't seem to bother her at all...

 

[danahud]

Mine was only about 7 months. She was a great momma and my drake wasn't mean at all when the ducklings were placed outside when fully feathered.