Help!! Broody runner and her first hatchling!

[Reese7383]

@Amiga & @Miss Lydia
If either of you have a minute, could use some advice specific to runners.

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.

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.

 

[Reese7383]

Thanks again Sylviethecochin. Your input is definitely welcome and appreciated. We haven't ever had a runner hatch, much less to broody.

Will probably wait until it's quite little darker and shoo her off. Keep you posted!

If she's fluffing up but not attacking, especially at less than six inches, it sounds like she's actually pretty comfortable with your presence. If you want to try just lifting her up and having a peek, she probably wouldn't be too bothered.

Warning signs of a very uncomfortable duck are:
frantic, repeated hissing (like fast breathing) when you're less than a few feet away
arched back neck within a few feet,
desperate lunges when you get within six inches


That said, Mama generally does know best, and if you don't want to disturb her, the hatch will most likely go very well without your interference.

 

[kumquat]

If you do decide to candle the eggs, I though these references might be helpful.

Photos of a candled duck egg on Day 21 and Day 24

 

[Reese7383]

Baby and her baby seemed fine this morning. Tho we couldn't see the duckling, it was peeping up a storm. Still only one has hatched, both mom's are dutifully sitting. We didn't candle the remaining eggs, so not sure if any others have pipped or not. We'll probably try this evening.
Pretty sure that the baby has eaten. Made some mash and all of it was gone this morning!

At what point will mama give up on any unhatched eggs and start foraging etc? Should we yake the one chick away? There's so many conflicting information on here. We just want to do what's best for both mom and baby(s). Thanks again for your help everyone.

 

[Miss Lydia]

Do you know you have 2 posts going? I posted on the other. She will most likely sit 3-4 days after first duckling hatched but that is not always the norm depends on the duck too. If she can hear peeping and feel movement she'll most likely stay for a few days before taking the hatched out to forage. So I'd candle soon. Hopefully some have been added or are being added as of now. I've had duckling hatch over a 3 day period even though all were brooded starting on same day. Go peek I cannot help myself. lol

 

[Amiga]

I don’t always find notices, my apologies! But I am not a hatcher, I would go with iss Lydia’s thoughts, maybe check in with @dotknott