Reese7383
Chirping
- Apr 10, 2015
- 270
- 22
- 96
Hello everyone! I've done a bit of research, but there's so much info to sift through on BYC! Hopefully one of you more seasoned duck moms and dad's can give some advice.
Here's the situation;
We have a small flock of mixed runners; 3 hens and one drake. To our surprise, all the gals have gone bloody. Successfully nested, set and today she's had her first hatchling!!!
The other two hens have been taking turns, but our Baby has been the most dedicated. Only coming off to eat, she's very protective. Somehow one nest has turned into two, about 10 eggs each. The first being laid about a month ago. We chose to let nature do it's work, only helping to turn the eggs every so often.
A few hours ago the first duckling hatched. It's peeping up a storm now. food and water readily available, fresh straw/hay. Of course Baby is protective of her newborn, and i don't want to interfere too much. I'm not sure how many of the remaining eggs have pipped or if they're even fertile. With such a wide span between the eggs being laid, I'm not sure when and if I should check the rest. None of the girls have kicked any eggs out, which I found a bit odd.
I really want to do what's best for the moms and the babies to be. When should we try to move the hen(s), should we separate the ducklings from the rest? I don't want mom to neglect her ducklings and stay on the nest, but I don't want her to abandon the rest of the eggs prematurely.
Sorry for the novel. Wanted to give as much information as possible. I have a few pictures and can answer anything else. Any help or advice is greatly appreciate! Thanks in advance.
Here's the situation;
We have a small flock of mixed runners; 3 hens and one drake. To our surprise, all the gals have gone bloody. Successfully nested, set and today she's had her first hatchling!!!
The other two hens have been taking turns, but our Baby has been the most dedicated. Only coming off to eat, she's very protective. Somehow one nest has turned into two, about 10 eggs each. The first being laid about a month ago. We chose to let nature do it's work, only helping to turn the eggs every so often.
A few hours ago the first duckling hatched. It's peeping up a storm now. food and water readily available, fresh straw/hay. Of course Baby is protective of her newborn, and i don't want to interfere too much. I'm not sure how many of the remaining eggs have pipped or if they're even fertile. With such a wide span between the eggs being laid, I'm not sure when and if I should check the rest. None of the girls have kicked any eggs out, which I found a bit odd.
I really want to do what's best for the moms and the babies to be. When should we try to move the hen(s), should we separate the ducklings from the rest? I don't want mom to neglect her ducklings and stay on the nest, but I don't want her to abandon the rest of the eggs prematurely.
Sorry for the novel. Wanted to give as much information as possible. I have a few pictures and can answer anything else. Any help or advice is greatly appreciate! Thanks in advance.