NEED SOME ADIVCE ON DUCKLING!!!!

[Number1Sticky]

I made a stupid mistake. I was told a Cayuga ducks would not lay and hatch their eggs. So I left some eggs in there. Dumb I know.

Now I have a duckling. Will she raise it? I’m worried she will kill it. My cousin has chickens and anytime she tried to let them raise their babies they ended up killing their babies. So now I’m worried the same thing will happen. This is her very first baby. She is already VERY protective of it. I picked the baby up and I thought she was going to attack me.

So my question is should I just leave the baby with his/her parents or bring it in the house and raise it myself?

Thanks for any advice!!!

 

[Mum]

As you have said she is very protective of her baby, my gut tells me you should leave her be and not interfere.

Only interfere if, *if*, there are any signs the duckling is failing; nature normally knows best (and in your cousins case, it may well be the hen culled her own babies due to some hidden illness/deformity she instinctively knew and we couldn't

)

Enjoy the experience of seeing a duck bring up her baby

Oh and take lots of pictures to share with us!

 

[jessiduck]

Leave the baby with her! If you see her neglecting or injuring the baby, then you can hand-raise it.
However, I would suggest that you leave her be!
PLease post pics when/if you get a chance! We'd love to see the momma and baby!!!<3

 

[Number1Sticky]

OK, Thanks. I will leave her in with mommy. Other then water and food should I do anything to the differently? Is it ok to just crush up some adult food for her/him? I will try to get some pictures up if she will let me near her. She is an adorable little thing. Also is there any way I can tell the gender now so I don't have to wait 2 months until the tail curls?

 

[Number1Sticky]

Is this good food for her?
http://www.tractorsupply.com/dumor-reg-chick-starter-grower-20-10-lb--1028113

 

[Kevin565]

No crushing up adult feed is not recommended. Are you using a waterer she can reach easily and not drown in? You can easily sex them by 6 weeks because of voice changes. Also the food you listed is fine but you will need to supplement niacin. Could you purchase flock raiser?

 

[Number1Sticky]

No crushing up adult feed is not recommended. Are you using a waterer she can reach easily and not drown in? You can easily sex them by 6 weeks because of voice changes. Also the food you listed is fine but you will need to supplement niacin. Could you purchase flock raiser?

Right now I just have a bowl for her. But I'm going to the feed store tomorrow to get her some supplies. Would this food be better?
http://www.tractorsupply.com/purina-reg-flock-raiser-reg-sunfresh-reg-recipe-crumble-50-lb--2800977

 

[Kevin565]

Right now I just have a bowl for her. But I'm going to the feed store tomorrow to get her some supplies. Would this food be better?
http://www.tractorsupply.com/purina-reg-flock-raiser-reg-sunfresh-reg-recipe-crumble-50-lb--2800977

Yes I always suggest flock raiser over chick starter

 

[Number1Sticky]

Yes I always suggest flock raiser over chick starter

Ok, thanks. I'll get that tomorrow.

 

[Number1Sticky]

I managed to get some pictures yesterday. They aren't very good. Mommy does NOT like me near her baby. I decided to name him/her Skyler. I figured that's a unisex name so I'm safe with it. Also I'm sure you can notice her neck is crooked. If someone can help me out with that. I have a thread about it (https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/671094/baby-with-crooked-neck-please-help).

I have some Niacin and Vitamin E I'm going to start tomorrow, I heard that should help. But if anyone has any other ideas please feel free to suggest anything.

Skyler:




And family picture. Momma is the very unhappy Cayuga. Daddy is the one that doesn’t care what’s going on as long as I don’t touch him.


More pictures:
http://s302.photobucket.com/albums/nn99/num1sticky/Skyler/
http://s302.photobucket.com/albums/nn99/num1sticky/Nigel and Skyler and Zudora/
http://s302.photobucket.com/albums/nn99/num1sticky/Skyler and Zudora/​