Newbie Question re: protecting hatched ducklng

[DianeKB]

Question for the experienced duck breeders: How imperative is it to protect a hen with newly hatched baby from other ducks? I have three converted chain link dog runs with three groups of ducks. It is plausible a baby could wander into a neighbors run. Should I take steps to put a barrier on the bottom of the chain link to prevent this? Any suggestions for the material to use? I was thinking some sort of plastic mesh at the bottom of the run secured by cable ties might work.

Thanks in advance for any advice!

Diane Bresee

 

[Hillaire]

I would put either the black deer netting on the bottom or hardware cloth or chicken wire on the bottom just to be safe... how many babies did she hatch out?

 

[Miss Lydia]

Also that plastic poultry fence from Lowe' s works good for this I use it to keep my mama and babies safe for first 2-3 weeks. Put it all the way around so they can't wander through anywhere though. .

 

[DianeKB]

Great advice! I'm off to TSC. Thanks so much for your response. Only one duckling so far. I know anything can happen so wanted to prepare the best environment. Prepare for the worst and hope for the best kind of philosophy.

 

[Hillaire]

Great advice! I'm off to TSC. Thanks so much for your response. Only one duckling so far. I know anything can happen so wanted to prepare the best environment. Prepare for the worst and hope for the best kind of philosophy.

hopefully she hatches more, fingers crossed.

 

[57medic]

Intersted in this information as well. Expectant duckfather, due Apr 20. How long do ducklings need separated from males? Pretty sure our males killed 2 ducklings before we found them.

 

[Miss Lydia]

Intersted in this information as well. Expectant duckfather, due Apr 20. How long do ducklings need separated from males? Pretty sure our males killed 2 ducklings before we found them.

If you have a drake or suspect you have one that kills ducklings I would not let them be together until ducklings are at least 3-4 weeks old and not penned together. I have gone as long as 3 weeks with the mama and ducklings fenced with their own lil house but where everyone can see each other, then when I let them all out together it goes good and ducklings are big enough to stay out of the drakes way. Of course even at 3 weeks ducklings can still be vulnerable so always supervise in the beginning. What breed?

@57medic Welcome to BYC

 

[57medic]

Thank you for your reply. The ducks are Rouens, and a blue swede. I was thinking of bringing mama and her nest inside so she can bond without the boys. I am a little leary about disturbing the nesting box though.

Our first clutch we found 2 dead ducklings that hatched at night. They looked fully complete, but the drakes had one and were dunking the baby in the water bowl.

 

[DianeKB]

I have separated my drakes and second group of hens away from the hen and her duckling. I'm not surprised at adults killing babies. Both my Runners and Grey Calls have killed mice.

 

[duckduckchicks]

Rouen or Mallard?