Indian Runner Ducks hatching problems, please advise!

[Runnerducks1]

When do Runners Pip mine are 27 days old and on lockdown.

 

[Miss Lydia]

Usually 28 days or longer. They really have their own time table.

@Pyxis maybe able to give you more info on what to look for.

 

[Pyxis]

Generally they pip on day 27 if the temperature has been correct, maybe day 28.

 

[GratitudeGates]

Hi I have a runner duck with two pekins and a male cayuga. The runner duck has created a nest on the side of our home the others are in their lock down pen for the evenings. I am wondering if I should let them out knowing the little runner has hatched at least one egg on her own in the nest on the side of the house. We allowed her to sit since she seemed so depressed when we had picked up her eggs before. I am worried that when she does bring the baby or babies out of the hidden nest the others or the chickens or dogs may be too drawn to the baby/babies. I did get another pen out and set it up about 5 feet from the lock down pen of the others. Should I move the mother and her ducklings into that pen to assure their safety or should I just leave her alone? Any advice is welcome.

 

[Miss Lydia]

Move her nest and all. Once ducklings begin hatching it's best to get them to safety. I usually put ducklings and unhatchedeggs in a box lined with a towel take a shovel or my hands depending on where nest is and place the nest in first then ducklings then mama she should settle down once she sees her babies.

 

[WVduckchick]

Instead of moving my girls and their nests, I put up a temporary fence around them. You could try that, if it’s easier than moving the whole shebang.

 

[Miss Lydia]

The dogs is what worried me but maybe a dog X pen staked to the ground with extra fencing around it to keep the ducklings in would work. I know my dogs and ducklings don't work here being in the same area.

 

[WVduckchick]

Definitely whatever is safest would be the best option. I would have had major fights on my hands if I had tried to move them, so adding the temp fence worked. But if a full move is safer, that’s what I’d do.

 

[Miss Lydia]

Yep depends on the mama for sure. I have been able to move mine right before and during hatches but it all boils down into what you have and that mama. lol

 

[chickens really]

I never move my Ducks during hatching. She will remain on the nest till all hatch. Then I remove her and Ducklings to a safe pen..