First time hatching

[okiemama2]

Okay, question from some new Muscovey owners. One of our ducks just hatched her eggs. It looks like there are about 15 ducklings under her. She has her nest out in the goat barn. I am a little bit concerned that our cats (who are great mousers and catch wild birds often) will find her when she brings her little line-up behind her. Should we put some kind of cage around her or move her into a safe tractor for a short time until the ducklings get older?

Thx,
Kim

 

[piper2009]

If I were you I would either put some thing up around her so the cats can get her or I would move her to a safe tractor. If your cats are good mousing cats they will go after the babies and probably end up killing them. The mother goose will protect them to a point but she will not be able to protect 15 babies at one time, so she will need some help from you.

Congrats on your hatch!!!
~Piper