I have a few questions - anyone fancy a challenge? :)

[Ravynscroft]

Yep. And I'm still grateful for your advice talking me through at 3 am.

I think it's a good idea to have some brooder supplies on hand just in case. My duck turned out to be a good momma but I ended up placing her along with her ducklings in the brooder for the first night because one little guy kept getting out of the nest and she couldn't keep him warm. It was chilly and rainy outside.

Like I could've just gone to sleep and not worried either?

I think it's more common with first timers that don't have older female examples to follow their lead... yes, a lot of it is pure instinctual, but much is taught by a good broody herself... always best to be prepared, hope for best and prepare for worst...

 

[GracieJ]

Usually, yes they do... and Calls have a higher chance of being great mamas... however, be prepared just in case everything doesn't go smoothly... first time mamas don't always do well, @shawluvsbirds had one that needed just a bit of support and help... and some may abandon before hatching, just fyi... but most Calls sit, hatch and raise their broods well...

She won't lay again until she decides the babies are big enough/old enough to be on their own... for some this is a couple months after hatching and some take longer... whether she will sit again this year is up to her... I have had Calls sit 3 or 4 times in a year, others just once...

Thank you for your advice! I've been watching her closely and she is being such a good mama, is it strange to be so proud of a pair of ducks? :').

 

[GracieJ]

Yep. And I'm still grateful for your advice talking me through at 3 am.

I think it's a good idea to have some brooder supplies on hand just in case. My duck turned out to be a good momma but I ended up placing her along with her ducklings in the brooder for the first night because one little guy kept getting out of the nest and she couldn't keep him warm. It was chilly and rainy outside.

Aww you all have a good support network on here it's admirable Glad your little one turned out okay Maybe I should have a makeshift brooder just in case for my hen's first little clutch, just as a backup.

 

[Ravynscroft]

Thank you for your advice! I've been watching her closely and she is being such a good mama, is it strange to be so proud of a pair of ducks? :').

Very welcome! Feel free to holler anytime you have questions... and not here it isn't, lol... many of us are quite proud of our little ducks!

 

[WVduckchick]

Very welcome! Feel free to holler anytime you have questions... and not here it isn't, lol... many of us are quite proud of our little ducks!

Kinda like we are all "duck" taped together.

Haha I made a funny.