New mama Muscovy

[NikkisChickies]

Hi! I have a Muscovy that is a new mama, her eggs just hatched, but I wanted to know if it’s normal for her to not put the new ducklings under her? It was like she pushed them out from under her and then tucked away the unhatched eggs (which were random chicken eggs we had not picked up yet). Does she not want them? Not as familiar with ducks hatching eggs vs. chickens. I did bring them in just to be safe. I didn’t want the new babies out in the open where our chickens and other ducks could hurt or kill them. TIA

 

[Crazy Maizie]

I'm wondering if it's because she had the chicken eggs under her?

Ducks definitely do things different than chickens. But, if she doesn't have them under her, she will continue to be broody with the eggs left there. Too bad she couldn't brood the ducklings for at least a week.

 

[DukesDucks]

Could you removing the remaining chicken eggs under her and putting the ducklings with her. You would need to stay close by to make sure she accepted them. Otherwise you will be raising them separately until big enough to be re-introduced to your flock safely.

 

[NikkisChickies]

I'm wondering if it's because she had the chicken eggs under her?

Ducks definitely do things different than chickens. But, if she doesn't have them under her, she will continue to be broody with the eggs left there. Too bad she couldn't brood the ducklings for at least a week.

Yes, I removed the other eggs and she was up and out of the coop more throughout the day but her and my other Muscovy wait for my chickens to lay again and then steal those eggs. I tried to introduce one of the ducklings but I was nervous she would be rough with it. I think it’s best to just raise them myself and reintroduced later. Better safe than sorry. Thanks for your reply