Help protecting MANY ducklings!

[Miss Lydia]

Your also very funny too. it would be nice if there was such a thing.

 

[docrox12]

Thought I would update you all. I put 26 ducklings from 3 batches in with this one mom. She is able to cover them all and it hasn’t been cold here at night. I put a paint pan in for them to swim in. This morning I noticed one of 6 with another hen that hatched 4 days ago had a limp. I know that one would not make it trying to keep up with mom. I picked it up and thought I would see if the duck would watch it in the chicken tractor also. When I got close, the duckling called out and foster mom answered. I put it down inside and it ran right to her and snuggled under. Mom looked at me as if to say “get back woman. I’ve got this!”
The duck that has 3 that are older and free range are still doing well they are pretty big now. She comes into the barn each night. The goose and the goats watch out for them in there. Fingers crossed!

 

[Miss Lydia]

Sounds like all is going good.
I love that about mama duck taking that baby so sweet. Pics when you can!!

 

[docrox12]

Every time I go to take a picture they run under mom!

 

[Miss Lydia]

And how far off the ground do they lift her when all 26 get under her?

 

[docrox12]

Ha! I usually can see a circle of little tails sticking out from under her.

 

[Miss Lydia]

That is so sweet mama giving you the stink eye.

 

[Flockandfowl46]

Glad it seems things are starting to work out for you hun

 

[docrox12]

I still have 3 more on nests! ARRGGHH. But yes, at least I have these safe. I will know better next spring. :-i

 

[Lil Drake40]

I do believe Muscovies are out to take over the world one nest at a time