Muscovy Moms sharing care of ducklings..

[Barnyard70]

I've seen this a couple of times with my ladies. First time was two sisters, shared a single nest and the care of their babies. This time, also another pair of sisters, had separate nests but I decided to get all together in one hut (easier that way) one had 4 and the other had 15! I went in to check on all of them this morning and one Mom had none with her and the other had all 19! You know, I find this strange for duck behavior because I've had other Moms peck at other ducklings from another Mother. Could it simply just be that Muscovy Moms who are sisters, tag team the care of the ducklings? I've tried researching it a little and didn't really find much about that so I thought I would share my observations.

 

[Miss Lydia]

I've seen this a couple of times with my ladies. First time was two sisters, shared a single nest and the care of their babies. This time, also another pair of sisters, had separate nests but I decided to get all together in one hut (easier that way) one had 4 and the other had 15! I went in to check on all of them this morning and one Mom had none with her and the other had all 19! You know, I find this strange for duck behavior because I've had other Moms peck at other ducklings from another Mother. Could it simply just be that Muscovy Moms who are sisters, tag team the care of the ducklings? I've tried researching it a little and didn't really find much about that so I thought I would share my observations.

It could be that since the one mama had 15 the 4 just joined them on their own. It does take a day or 2 for the ducklings to imprint on the mama and recognize her voice who hatched them. I have never had any of my Muscovy's share a nest mine like to have their privacy when brooding and will keep anyone else away. What is the mama doing who has lost her 4? maybe she'll tag along because the one that has 19 is sure going to need someone to bring up the rear. Congrats on the hatches.

 

[Barnyard70]

Yeah, it was really strange to see. I've had Muscovy for a few years now. I would think that the babies have imprinted. Mom (4) hatched Tuesday and Mom (15) hatched Friday. I think I have caught the babies trying to sit under the lonely Mom while the main one gets a meal and a drink..but not sure..other times I have checked, all are under just one and none with the lonely one.

I've seen some interesting family outings in the yard before, where a Muscovy Mom has so many babies, she can't keep track of all of them--so a buddy would be helpful. Mom (4) looks sad..and the other one looks really overwhelmed. Feeling bummed about putting them together but I guess wait and see what they do in a couple of weeks..