First time success

[duckherder561]

This was our first attempt to incubate eggs. As my name indicates we have ducks for our border collies to herd. I know that must seem strange but we actually herd sheep, cattle and ducks in herding trials with both AKC and ASCA. We have a Hova bator. We set 40 runner duck eggs. Eliminated 5 at 8 days. Finally at 29 days the hatch started. We ended up with 27 ducklings. Now they are 8-9 days old and we are a little overwhelmed. I think we over did it. We now have 7 call duck eggs in the Bator. At what age can we move the duckies out to the barn and not need the heat lamps?

 

[baseballchick]

I believe they should be fully feathered, but I don't have experience with ducks.

Totally different topic, I have an australian shepherd that we bought to use as a herder for our sheep. All he does is chase our chickens into the woods! Ugh the farmer I got him from said herding dogs are mostly instinct except for you giving the commands as to where you want them. I am unsure what to do for him

 

[duckherder561]

Thanks.
As for the Aussie. why am I not surprised. We see alot of Aussies at trials. They are a different breed obviously than a BC. I think BC's have alot moe instinct. Aussies tend to run around and bark at the stock. I bet thats what he does with your chickens. Herding dogs take alot of training to get to the point where they will work with commands. How does he do with your sheep. Will he fetch them to you.

 

[baseballchick]

Well, LOL, we don't have them yet! Ha! We are due to get them soon, but got him so he would be ready when they got here!

If I am down there with him, he is good and just sits and watches.... If he gets mischievous and wanders down there in his own... Them he thinks they are toys and chases them and tries to get them to play. They run in the woods and hide!

The farmer we got him from said his mom herds their livestock... I guess it will just take practice

 

[duckherder561]

I would definetly make contact with a herding instructor in your are and consider some training before you expect any help from your Aussie with new sheep. That might be a disaster. I picture sheep being run into fences.

 

[baseballchick]

Lol! Thank you so much! I definitely will!

Sorry I don't have more info for you about your ducks wish I could help!