Introducing incubator-hatched ducklings to mom and her babies

[ayerock]

We have 1momma duck with at least 5babies naturally hatched, 2 days old. We've got another 4 ducklings hatched from incubator, 5 days old. Is it safe to add incubator babies to the ones with momma? If so, when and how?

 

[Pork Pie]

Hi and welcome to BYC - glad that you have joined us. I know it can work for chickens, but i know nothing about ducks, I'm afraid. I'd suggest posting your question on the "Duck" forum, as the experts there will be best placed to advise you.

Good luck

CT

 

[drumstick diva]

I would watch her closely to see that she truly accepts them. I don't know anything about ducks. If a chicken hen accepts them she will tuck them in underneath her to keep them warm. Maybe you should ask on the duck thread first.

 

[Ravynscroft]

At 5 days old, I would be leery of trying that... ducks are much more finicky about adopting... the ducklings tend to imprint quickly so they may not recognize her as a momma... and if they don't stop crying she may attack them in frustration...

Ducks seem to communicate a lot more with their brood before they hatch, bonding while still in shell... if they were just hatched, I might try it... but I know my Calls have wanted to try to take in other ducklings, but it got rather frantic when the older ones kept freaking out...

 

[BantamFan4Life]

Welcome to BYC! I'm glad you joined us!