moving a nest

[new2ducks]

Ok I've read things on here about the broody ducks. I have one that nested under a chaise lounge. Thing is...both of my females have laid eggs in the nest but the one spends most of the time on it. I have been told to move the nest so when the babies hatch they are separated from the drakes. I have a dog kennel that I can put the nest in with the mother, but what if she wants out for awhile and what if the other female wants in. How do I handle that?

 

[Miss Lydia]

Ok I've read things on here about the broody ducks. I have one that nested under a chaise lounge. Thing is...both of my females have laid eggs in the nest but the one spends most of the time on it. I have been told to move the nest so when the babies hatch they are separated from the drakes. I have a dog kennel that I can put the nest in with the mother, but what if she wants out for awhile and what if the other female wants in. How do I handle that?

Is her nest secure from predators? if so wait till the ducklings start to hatch, then pick up the whole thing and move them, nest and all. I did that with my broody who was brooding in my feed room I used a small dog crate picked up her and ducklings beginning to hatch and moved them to a quiter place away from the flock. If she is brooding no one needs to be going in and messing with her. Once hatch starts she won't leave the nest till they have hatched.

 

[new2ducks]

Thank you for the information. I just came back in with my grandchildren...we moved the whole dog kennel OVER the chair and the nest. It took a little while but she was able to go into the kennel with the nest and we closed the door. We kind of feel bad for the other ducks because they are trying to figure out why they can't be in there with her. She is safe from any predators and now also the other ducks. The other ducks have the igloo dog house to go into if they need to get out of the elements.

 

[Miss Lydia]

Thank you for the information. I just came back in with my grandchildren...we moved the whole dog kennel OVER the chair and the nest. It took a little while but she was able to go into the kennel with the nest and we closed the door. We kind of feel bad for the other ducks because they are trying to figure out why they can't be in there with her. She is safe from any predators and now also the other ducks. The other ducks have the igloo dog house to go into if they need to get out of the elements.

That's a great idea, and actually when hatching begins you don't want the other ducks in there someone could accidently step on one of the babies and I know you wouldn't want that, plus this gives mom and babies time to bond which is very important. Good luck and be sure to let us know when hatch begins