My Bantam hatched ducks!

[Gideyupgrl]

So I got this wild idea to satiate my broody ~1yr old Bantam. I decided to put 3 of my fertile duck eggs under her to see if she could hatch them. I did some research and concluded it was possible and has been done before. Ducks gestation is ~28 days, 1 week longer than chickens. After the first week of 'Pigeon' as I call her dutifully sitting on her eggs I decided to add a few more...this time however they were 3 fertile Swedish Flower Chicken eggs. I candled the eggs at ~7-10 days and confirmed good visible blood vessels. Yay! Now I just sat back and waited counting down the days. It was only 5 days ago that I decided it was time to put Pigeon on lock down with her eggs. Mainly due to the concern that the other hens try to kick her out of the nest when they want to lay their eggs because apparently she has the best nesting box.
According to my count down the babies were due to hatch in 2-3 more days and since they all had the same due date I was hopeful it would occur around the same time. Well today when I got home from work and checked on my girl much to my my delight I heard peeping! Next thing I knew there was a baby duckling and a baby chick! I didn't want to bug Pigeon and since more eggs have yet to hatch I will leave her be to tend to her new babies. She coo's at them so lovingly it really warms my heart. Little does she know her babies will some day be swimming and will surely outgrow her. I will post pics when they are out and about for now they are nestled under theirs 'moms' warm bald breast enjoying their first day on this world.

 

[scratch'n'peck]

So I got this wild idea to satiate my broody ~1yr old Bantam. I decided to put 3 of my fertile duck eggs under her to see if she could hatch them. I did some research and concluded it was possible and has been done before. Ducks gestation is ~28 days, 1 week longer than chickens. After the first week of 'Pigeon' as I call her dutifully sitting on her eggs I decided to add a few more...this time however they were 3 fertile Swedish Flower Chicken eggs. I candled the eggs at ~7-10 days and confirmed good visible blood vessels. Yay! Now I just sat back and waited counting down the days. It was only 5 days ago that I decided it was time to put Pigeon on lock down with her eggs. Mainly due to the concern that the other hens try to kick her out of the nest when they want to lay their eggs because apparently she has the best nesting box.
According to my count down the babies were due to hatch in 2-3 more days and since they all had the same due date I was hopeful it would occur around the same time. Well today when I got home from work and checked on my girl much to my my delight I heard peeping! Next thing I knew there was a baby duckling and a baby chick! I didn't want to bug Pigeon and since more eggs have yet to hatch I will leave her be to tend to her new babies. She coo's at them so lovingly it really warms my heart. Little does she know her babies will some day be swimming and will surely outgrow her. I will post pics when they are out and about for now they are nestled under theirs 'moms' warm bald breast enjoying their first day on this world.

That is so exciting. I will be waiting for photos of the mixed brood.

 

[Gideyupgrl]

 

[scratch'n'peck]

Whoa, cuteness overload! The duckling already makes bantam mom look small.