Ive read it is not recommended to raise baby chicks with ducklings but...

[Lobzi]

Im wondering if I can get a broody hen to adopt the duckling hatchling and raise them instead of chicks? I have three broodies on one nest and chick eggs ready to hatch. The two duck eggs I have are in the incubator but ready to hatch tomorrow. I have read that have the ducklings and chicks together is not recommended but if I separate one hen and give her the two duck eggs as they are hatching, could that work?

 

[Blackberry18]

Chicks and ducklings are common in the requirements of brooding, but the facilities are different because of size and requirements, an example would be that waterfowl need to have deep water trays that go above their eyes (so they can flush them out), while chicks would drown in them. But to answer your question, duck eggs can be incubated by broody chickens. In fact, since most domestic waterfowl lack teh instinct to go broody and hatch and raise young, so Muscovies and broody chickens have been reported as good "foster mothers". Just remember to turn the eggs for the hen, for they are too large for the hen to turn herself.

 

[Lobzi]

Thank you for that info. So these two duck eggs have been in an incubator for the month and are due to hatch tomorrow. I dont have to worry about the turning of the egg by the hen. I just would like her to keep them warm and show them the ways of the yard. It is hard for me but I can do it if necessary. I think I will wait until they at least pip before giving the eggs to a hen.

 

[Blackberry18]

Thank you for that info. So these two duck eggs have been in an incubator for the month and are due to hatch tomorrow. I dont have to worry about the turning of the egg by the hen. I just would like her to keep them warm and show them the ways of the yard. It is hard for me but I can do it if necessary. I think I will wait until they at least pip before giving the eggs to a hen.

That should be fine. Good luck! I'd put the eggs in at night, then the hen will think they've been there all along.

 

[Lobzi]

Sounds like a good idea. I hope they start pipping tomorrow during the day then I can sneak them under her and put her in a pet carrier. I will be removing her from her nest and away from the other two hens she has been brooding eggs with. The first time I tried this the baby duck died just prior to hatching. Im not sure the mama was able to keep it warm enough. I do have bantams but if the ducks can move under the mama and there are only two of them they should be able to stay warm.