How to house ducklings with mama after hatch

[Losa479]

I have a Muscovy sitting on a large nest for 30 days now. I’ve heard it takes 35...? But I’m not sure what to do with them once they hatch. They are free range muscovys in a 10 acre fenced property with a 2 acre lake. They don’t have a house except for the chicken coop if they so desire. But they prefer sleeping on the bank of the lake. Should I get a separate cage for them with mama? What is ideal? I was wondering about one of those big things they put the chicks in at the feed store. They are spendy but might be nice to have around. And would I need a heat lamp? I raised most of our mucovys but I hated the duckling stage. I would rather the mom take care of them but I just wasn’t sure how big of role I need to play. We have bobcats occasionally, bu they don’t bother our full grown ducks. Looking for advice!! Thanks!!

 

[WannaBeHillBilly]

I don't have Muscovy ducks, but what i have heart is that they are the best duck mommas in the world. @Miss Lydia has Muscovys. You won't have to worry about anything, except predators. - Is your lake fenced in? Do you have a lot of Raccoons lurking around? That is the only thing Momma Muscovy is unable to protect her offspring from.

 

[Miss Lydia]

And snapping turtles under water. If you can pen mama and ducklings up for 2-3 weeks till ducklings can handle being around the other ducks that would be best. Most Muscovy mamas are wonderful mamas

 

[Henry&Friends]

I would pen momma with the chicks, and put them somewhere dry for a week or three. Make sure they have access to food and water deep enough for them to dunk their bills under. could you put up a fence around the nest before they hatch?