HELP, HELP, HELP!!!!! New pekin chicks need help now!!!!!

[vinnie01]

Just walked out to the pond (approx. 8pm Eastern) and saw mom pekin with 4 brand new ducklings. She was taking them about 150 feet away from the pond back to the nest (pine needles and vegetation) with her. Went to check them out and found two unhatched eggs, one dead chick and the four babies next to mom who was quite mad that I was distrubing them...... What do I do?? Can the chicks survive the nite that far from water and food? My wife is out of town, no neighbors seem to be around, should I try and catch the chicks and bring them in the basement?? Food, water?? The ducks we have are full grown - two pekins and a muscovy that are all free range year round (last 4 years) and we've never had chicks before. Anyone that can give me advice as soon as possible would be appreciated. Will try and attach pics that I just took of the situation. I removed the dead chick and put it in the woods about 400 feet away from the nesting site. Pictures coming in another post, takes to long to download.....HELP vinnie

 

[dixiechick]

The chicks are with the mother? If so, she knows best. Trust her instincts. They won't starve.

You're a good DH for getting advice.

 

[vinnie01]

Thanks Dixiechick,

If I leave them out they have absolutely no protection though and there's no way they can make it across a large field. I just concerned because I know the neighbors let there cats out at nite. Those little guys would sure make tempting targets.....

It's just about dark now so I will take your advice and see what happens in the morning. Momma is still sitting on two eggs. The cats don't bother the large mother but I'm still afraid for the chicks..... thanx vinnie

 

[DuckFanatic]

This is just me, but i would bring mama and babies into the basement at least for the night, good luck!

 

[rainplace]

Quote:
I wanted to say that too, but didn't want to sound bad....

And I don't know if it's the right thing to do either...

 

[dixiechick]

keep us posted...did they make this morning? Whatever you decided, was the right choice. You're a good person for worrying about it!

 

[vinnie01]

Mom had the 4 baby pekins at the pond this am. (8am). I had some starter/grower food and mixed it with cracked corn that I put in a shallow tray and took down to the water's edge. Mom was very protective and kept the chicks away. 11am update, everyone is still here and mom has not gone back to the last two eggs. Replenished the food tray and refed the other two drakes that are just observing. (Pekin Drake and Muscovy Drake). Will check eggs and take a picture or two on next update. Thanks, vinnie

 

[FenDruadin]

Wild ducks have a VERY large loss rate to predation. Most don't make it to two weeks. So, bringing the ducks in will give them the best chance at survival. However, that doesn't mean it's the best thing to do.

Every year, the duck on our pond (without an owner--she's some sort of muscovy) broods a batch of anywhere from 4-24 babies. Last year, four of her enormous brood (I think it started as 20-something) grew to adulthood. And that was the first brood in recent memory in which ANY survived past a few weeks.

I could bring them up here for protection, but I have so much going on with my own ducks, plus if she raised every single baby to adulthood, our pond would soon be completely overtaken by ducks, and the habitat would quickly deteriorate. Nature is cruel, but she is not random in her cruelty. And even if I brought them up here, there are so many things that could go wrong that would be *my* fault. And then, she wouldn't be happy about being contained, and they wouldn't be as happy either. Is life better if it's longer, even if it's not as much fun?

I do "help out" a bit by bringing them duck food (starter or pellets--it doesn't matter as long as the chunks are small enough for them to eat--they will be supplementing with so much wild forage that it would be difficult to hurt them with the concentrate) when I go down there. They appreciate it, and it gives them a little boost. If they grow faster, they have a better chance at survival. And it helps mama out too. She always brings them over to see if I have a little something for them.

Good luck, whatever you decide.

Heather