Momma raising babies

[SRagno]

This will be my first time letting my girls raised their own babies. It seems as though my buff duck, Molly, has taken over the role of sitting on the nest.

(She's currently back there in the dog house brooding on 6 eggs.) This is my current setup. I can separate the boy from my two girls and babies if need be. I was wondering if I need to separate mom and babies in their own little area and for how long? And do I need to provide warmth seeing as the weather will continue to get a little cooler? (I'm in D'iberville MS, close to the coast). Currently I have the two girls and only want to keep maybe three girls, if all six eggs hatch. At what age can I give them away?-- Thank you in advance for any wisdom!- Stacy

 

[JacinLarkwell]

I would separate males from females if you can. I think you'll be fine with mama being with other females (mine always were) but especially for the first time and if you have poor ratios, is keep the males from the mama until ducklings are older

 

[Crazy Maizie]

I didn't separate my drake and it went well, but each situation is different. My advice is to do what works for your situation and observe your birds to make sure it's all working out.
As far as giving ducklings away, you can do that at a day old if you want. As long as they will be going to a brooder, they will be fine.

 

[SRagno]

Just to follow up, I have separated my male all together (only allowed supervised conjugal visits with 2 older ducks). Molly-Girl has successfully hatched 3 babies. Not sure if they are Buff-Pekin of Khaki-Pekin? Maybe you can tell? They were both laying in the same nest. Now to see if they are male or female. I can't keep another male. My ratio would be great if they are all female, 1 male to 5 females... what a harem! Lol

 

[SRagno]

Does it get any more cute than this!
Update:
Yesterday, I took the three to the vet to have them sex vented...2 hens and 1 drake. I'll have to get rid of my drake... not enough females to go around. That was my problem to begin with. What does one do with a lone drake? And a hybrid (Buff-Pekin) at that? Any suggestions would be appreciated.

 

[Crazy Maizie]

Unfortunately drakes (as well as roosters) are almost impossible to rehome unless you practicallygive them away. I've had 2 extras for over a year. I tried to find them a home, but I got nowhere. I just separated an area for them in the run with their own housing. They can free range when I let the other ducks out and it works out well enough. Or if needed, I let a different group out at a time.

Even the most experienced have vent sexed incorrectly, so I'd hold off rehoming unless absolutely sure.