Muscovy ducklings, keep with mamma or take them in

[americanchicks]

Hi all,
First time letting mom hatch eggs. She came out with 7 babies. I had no idea how many she was sitting on, she had them under the duck coop. So the question is now take the kids or let mom raise them for a while? Not planning on keeping all of them maybe 2 females. I have more than enough brooders. The big worry is I have an owl on my hands. Has taken 2 ducks in the past 2 nights.

 

[FoodFreedomNow]

Congrats on the ducklings! Can you secure mom and her brood, at least at night? Otherwise, you know what will happen...owls are tough on any fowl left out after dark.

 

[quackiemama]

Yes congrats on the babies. I am sorry about your ducks that were killed by the owl. That is so scary.

 

[Miss Lydia]

Anyway you can keep mama and duckling secure behind fencing and closed up safely at night. It’s such a shame not to let mama raise them up for a while since she did all the work.

 

[The Dapper Duck]

I've done both ways and Mammascovy knows best. Plus they are more fun to watch following mom around. I agree with @Miss Lydia and @FoodFreedomNow , lockdown if you want to see them grow up.