My Black Swedish Duck Just Had Babies, help!

[mypetduck]

Hi - I am a new duck owner and my black Swedish duck just 4 babies within the last 24 hours. She has many eggs in her nest. She co-habitats with 3 males. I sectioned off the habitat with chicken wire so she and her babies are separated from the males. I placed water in her cage along with food and a little pool so she can take a bath in silence away from the 3 males that habitat with her.

Should I remove the babies and place them in a separate box with a heat lamp and their own water and food or should I keep them with the mother? My fear is that she might not have the instincts to lead them to their water fountain. Should I hand raise them or let the mother figure it out?

 

[Willow2253]

Mama ducks have been raising their own babies for centuries. She should have the instincts to raise them. They’ll learn by copying her. If you’re worried though you can keep an eye on them and if after a couple of days she’s neglecting them, that would be the time to intervene.

 

[AquaDuck]

Hi - I am a new duck owner and my black Swedish duck just 4 babies within the last 24 hours. She has many eggs in her nest. She co-habitats with 3 males. I sectioned off the habitat with chicken wire so she and her babies are separated from the males. I placed water in her cage along with food and a little pool so she can take a bath in silence away from the 3 males that habitat with her.

Should I remove the babies and place them in a separate box with a heat lamp and their own water and food or should I keep them with the mother? My fear is that she might not have the instincts to lead them to their water fountain. Should I hand raise them or let the mother figure it out?

If she goes broody, she'll know how to take care of the babies too. Not all ducks are good mothers though, especially first-timers can struggle a bit. So keeping an eye on her is good (gonna assume you'll do that anyway, as they are adorable to watch!)

Newborn ducklings aren't very maneuverable and get tired quick. I've lost a few because they've gotten stuck in a hole or couldn't get out of the waterbowl. Any water source must be easy for them to get out of without jumping, place rocks or something in all bowls. The pool needs a ladder with good grip (not slippery), both to go in and most importantly so they get out of it.