Foster Ducklings

[hippiehen]

Hello all!

I have a blue swedish hen who's been sitting on close to 20 eggs, due today or tomorrow. Over the last week or so, she's kicked all but 5 out - all of them were fertile but the ducklings were dead. I blame the weather, it's been typically Texas: 35 one morning then 97, dripping humid one day then bone dry the next.

I'm not holding my breath on the last 5, I picked her up yesterday to check them out and make sure fire ants hadn't found them (lost some skin on that move!) and they are all filthy, most of them have gunk from the bad eggs so I'm sure they are covered in bacteria.

My question is, if they don't hatch, have you ever successfully given ducks foster ducklings? I can pick a few up from TSC. I've done it with chicken hens and it worked well, sneaking them in at night and whatnot. Are ducks the same?

Also, if she doesn't take them, what is the best way to break her broodiness?

Thanks!

 

[BirdBrain]

No experience here, but I have heard of people doing it successfully. I hope someone else with first hand experience comes along.

 

[destinduck]

If you have a sitting chicken or duck shove them under they will be fine. Although I dont see why your blue swedish wont finish the job,bacteria or not.

 

[hippiehen]

You're right destinduck, I'm just being a pessimist! I'll keep my fingers crossed for the last 5 eggs!!