First time hatching duck eggs

[Miss Lydia]

Quote:
Thanks, at least you have something to keep you occupied.

 

[TammyC]

Ok, All around the egg is cracked and pieces are falling off... I hope not much longer and I will have a baby... 1 down 13 to go...

 

[70%cocoa]

Oooh - I can't wait!!! Thanks for the updates!

 

[TammyC]

MOmma was off the nest, baby is trying hard to come out, bill was sticking out a hole. Very noisy baby, I am so excited..

 

[70%cocoa]

I bet you are!!! Sounds like a strong little bub.

 

[Miss Lydia]

can't wait to hear it's out. 13 to go? this could take a while.

 

[TammyC]

We have a baby!! But.. I went out there cause my female duck was going crazy and the baby was out of the nest and Momma chicken was pecking at it.. what do I do???

 

[70%cocoa]

Pecking how badly? If the pecking seems aggressive rather than gentle and curious I would take the duckling away. Put it under a heat source on a warm towel in a box. Needs to be about 90 degrees F under the heat.

Also - separate your hen and ducklings from the rest of the birds asap. Put up a wire barrier (or any kind of barrier using whatever you have to hand) around the hen/nest to prevent the other birds getting in.

If your hen is not experienced they can be aggrresive towards new hatchlings, even if they have successfully hatched the eggs.

 

[Miss Lydia]

Oh my gosh, i hope duckling is okay. do all that 70% said.

 

[TammyC]

Pretty bad, so I brought him/her inside and in box under the heat light.. I put newspaper down but I will put a warm towel down.. This is her first time hatching eggs... I have her and the rest of the eggs pinned up and will let the other free roam tonight..