Mama Duck & duckling questions....

[Irishsilk]

So exciting ...the eggs Mama duck was sitting on have hatched today.
To be honest I didn't think they were ok, as she is the duck that was carrying her eggs and breaking them in her water bowl.

Lots of peeps coming from her box!
She got out to eat and wash....I think I saw 3 little heads moving inside the box

So lots of questions to come...!!

I have put the water into a chicken water dispenser, so ducklings can't drown. But how do I work it that Mum can have water to wash in?
They are inside a small nesting box on the floor of a large stable...should I let Mum outside to be able to get into the ( child's) paddling pool that I have put outside the stable door?
If so...how long is it ok for her to be away from the babies?

Thanks for your advice...!!

 

[Miss Lydia]

So exciting ...the eggs Mama duck was sitting on have hatched today.
To be honest I didn't think they were ok, as she is the duck that was carrying her eggs and breaking them in her water bowl.

Lots of peeps coming from her box!
She got out to eat and wash....I think I saw 3 little heads moving inside the box

So lots of questions to come...!!

I have put the water into a chicken water dispenser, so ducklings can't drown. But how do I work it that Mum can have water to wash in?
They are inside a small nesting box on the floor of a large stable...should I let Mum outside to be able to get into the ( child's) paddling pool that I have put outside the stable door?
If so...how long is it ok for her to be away from the babies?

Thanks for your advice...!!

She most likely will not leave them for a while but after a couple days she is going to want to bring them outside will it be safe? As for washing as long as they haven't anyway into the pool right now they should be okay for mama to take her bath. But again is it safe for her to bring them outside. Drakes can be nasty to ducklings even other flock members can be. If not then make a large enough area for mom and babies and keep them there till ducklings are around 3 weeks old Buy then they will be larger and better able to stay out of any potential harm other than predators.

Congrats on your new ducklings.

 

[Irishsilk]

Thank you Miss LydIa,

The pool is just outside the door of the stable, so can I let her out without the babies so she can have a quick bath? They are 3 days old. I think she could be bathed and back into them within a few mins...but is there a risk separating them even for a short time?

 

[Miss Lydia]

Thank you Miss LydIa,

The pool is just outside the door of the stable, so can I let her out without the babies so she can have a quick bath? They are 3 days old. I think she could be bathed and back into them within a few mins...but is there a risk separating them even for a short time?

As long as it isn't cold they should be okay long enough for mom to bathe but will she want to some moms are pretty nonchalant about their ducklings other are very protective so just give her the opportunity and she is she takes it.