Muscovy ducks and laying eggs

[Old Philosopher]

Your going to need to put out feed and water for her and her Ducklings....You might be better off penning up the Drake so she can safely raise her Ducklings....

Logistically, I can't pen off the drake. I've raised ducklings (from hatchery) before, and about my only option is to put them on their own in my "nursery" pen in the hen house. They are drinking the 1 gal waterer I put next to the duck house, just in case some hatched. They should be old enough (5-7 days) that they will use the feeder in the nursery. IMO, they can probably get along w/o Mom by now.
She'll freak out, but not much else I can do.

 

[chickens really]

Best option is to leave with Momma...They are imprinted to her and she loves them....Wait to see how the Drake does...He will not hurt them if Momma gives him a good beating...
He probably won't care.....

 

[chickens really]

Logistically, I can't pen off the drake. I've raised ducklings (from hatchery) before, and about my only option is to put them on their own in my "nursery" pen in the hen house. They are drinking the 1 gal waterer I put next to the duck house, just in case some hatched. They should be old enough (5-7 days) that they will use the feeder in the nursery. IMO, they can probably get along w/o Mom by now.
She'll freak out, but not much else I can do.

Provide feed too for the Ducklings...

 

[Old Philosopher]

Problem solved. I had the duck pen lined with 1" wire from when I had the Pekin ducklings. I split the duck pen in half this morning. Everyone has their own feed and water now. She's not stupid...she'll figure out the drake is segregated soon. The ducklings were even peeking out of the nest as I finished.
The drake has already found his spot in some old broken hay bales. Hopefully peace will reign.

Thanks for all the helpful replies!

 

[chickens really]

Awesome..Its always great when plan B works for us...Congrats on the Ducklings...

 

[Old Philosopher]

Awesome..Its always great when plan B works for us...Congrats on the Ducklings...

She was sitting on 14. Hatched 10. 2 didn't peep and 2 appeared to be infertile.
Down side is, we have no room to raise 10 more ducks. Now I have to find a home for them.
QUESTION #2:
At what age (ducklings) do you think it would be safe to let the drake out of quarantine?
How hold do they need to be before they are "safe"?

 

[chickens really]

Your in a Pickle....

No need for breeding Muscovy if not needed?.....Rehome the pair and get Ducks that do not brood so often ....Have no Drake?....

 

[Old Philosopher]

Your in a Pickle....

No need for breeding Muscovy if not needed?.....Rehome the pair and get Ducks that do not brood so often ....Have no Drake?....

Yeah, well...hindsight.
DW and I don't see eye-to-eye on this. I just love Muscoys, but now I'm up to my hips in them. Hahaha.

 

[Old Philosopher]

I still need to know if the babies will be safe with the drake. This is a big factor in keeping the ducklings. Of course, if they are NOT, problem solved....no babies to give away.

 

[chickens really]

That is something I can not promise...Each Drake is different....Try it and see.....