Duckling help!

[bobbiex]

Well we thought my ducks were having a fake pregnancy until this morning two out of 9 eggs hatched! I never had ducklings before for the 3 years I had them so I didn’t know what to expect. As they’re not even a day old. I need help. I’d like to know when I should take them away from the mother. She’s very protective and hissing so I don’t want to stress her out! All I wanna know is when it’s good to take the babies out or should I wait for more to hatch? Thanks

 

[PirateGirl]

Well we thought my ducks were having a fake pregnancy until this morning two out of 9 eggs hatched! I never had ducklings before for the 3 years I had them so I didn’t know what to expect. As they’re not even a day old. I need help. I’d like to know when I should take them away from the mother. She’s very protective and hissing so I don’t want to stress her out! All I wanna know is when it’s good to take the babies out or should I wait for more to hatch? Thanks

Are you planning on keeping the ducklings? If you are planning on keeping them, I would not take them away from the mother. If you are planning on selling them, I would take them away from the mother when the buyer comes to pick them up, but let the mother raise them until then.

I'd keep an eye on things. At some point you will need to figure out (candle) of the eggs left, how many may still hatch and how many are duds. You'll want to dispose of any bad eggs before one breaks and you have a seriously stinky problem on your hands.

@chickens really has hatched lots of ducklings and can probably give you some advice.

 

[chickens really]

Leave her to hatch and until she comes off the nest with live babies. Definitely pen her off so others can't kill the babies too. Feed and water needs to be provided too.
Don't sell babies till she weans at 6 weeks ..very traumatic for imprinted Momma Ducklings.

 

[WannaBeHillBilly]

Don't even dare to try taking them away from mom!
It is a very good sign that she is hissing at you and protects her babies. Duck-Mom's know best what's best for the ducklings. Just keep an eye on the young family in case something goes south…
And congratulations! - Pictures of mom and babies, pleeeeease!

 

[quackiemama]

Yes pics please!