Old fashioned Broody thread for ducks 2013 edition

[EdenCamp]

We have 14 days til hatch day!!!!

We cannot send the coon into animal control they dont want it..

We shot 2 more I am having way too much fun killing these b*stards.

Hmmm gonna have to start calling you Rambo!

 

[Weezy54]

One of our two-year-old Blue Swedish ducks (Rudy) went broody this week for the first time. She won't leave the nest for anything and hisses at anything or anyone who comes too near. My question is: If she hatches any ducklings, should we keep the drake separated? He's a very friendly and gentle guy (that's why he's the drake we kept) but we're not sure how he might react around ducklings. Thanks!

 

[stonykill]

Hopefully it's just one family of coons and once they're gone they'll be gone for good. But I wouldn't bet on it. Be aware that if you see one in daylight, it is very likely that something is really wrong... Like rabies or other. That's probly why your AC didnt want them.

I have shot perfectly healthy but hungry coons at 10 am and 3 hours before sunset. Coons like any predator hunt when hungry regardless of the time.

 

[Miss Lydia]

One of our two-year-old Blue Swedish ducks (Rudy) went broody this week for the first time. She won't leave the nest for anything and hisses at anything or anyone who comes too near. My question is: If she hatches any ducklings, should we keep the drake separated? He's a very friendly and gentle guy (that's why he's the drake we kept) but we're not sure how he might react around ducklings. Thanks!

I always like to err on the side of caution, I don't let my drakes around new hatched ducklings until they are at least 3 weeks old, And mamas really don't want anyone around their babies, Drakes have been known to kill ducklings. They can all see the mama and her ducklings so they know they are here but can't get to them.

 

[keirys]

Wow this would be a good thread for all to read since we see so many on here say well we live in the suburbs or city and we don't have predators.

yeah I am thinking about starting one lol...

 

[Weezy54]

Hi Miss Lydia! We've chatted before, but for some reason my entire Profile and posting history (including photo albums) has vanished! It's like I never existed here until yesterday

Anyway, thanks for the advice. That's kind of what I was thinking...better safe than sorry. And of course it remains to be seen if she will actually hatch anything (we hope so!). I've always read that Swedish aren't very good setters, and our others haven't been, but maybe we've got one good mamma.

 

[Chickenkate17]

This is Jemima. She's a just over 9 months old, Cayuga and laying on her first nest...she is also laying on a couple unfertilized chicken eggs, so I will need to get those out when she's up. It looks like she has been pulling out her feathers to help make her nest. Is this possible or is she moulting?? Should I give her some more straw? She's picked a weird spot for her nest, she's right between a fence and a compost bin.




This is Jemima's sister, Josephine. She is also a just over 9 month old Cayuga and she has decided to make a nest between the side of the garage and an old surf board! She is not pulling her feathers out and comes out to eat/drink more often than Jemima. I figured the just have different broody-personalities.


Questions: How long will they lay on their nests? What precautions should I take to make sure the ducks, eggs, and future ducklings will be safe?? At any point should I be concerned about Jemima's feather loss?

Thanks!

 

[Miss Lydia]

Hi Miss Lydia! We've chatted before, but for some reason my entire Profile and posting history (including photo albums) has vanished! It's like I never existed here until yesterday

Anyway, thanks for the advice. That's kind of what I was thinking...better safe than sorry. And of course it remains to be seen if she will actually hatch anything (we hope so!). I've always read that Swedish aren't very good setters, and our others haven't been, but maybe we've got one good mamma.

 

[DuckyGurl]

Maybe your off on your dates, sounds like there could be ducklings but study those pics and see if you can figure it out.

Hmm. maybe, I suppose. I'm going to candle all tonight, pitch the duds and leave in the *possibilities* I think.

 

[Miss Lydia]

Hmm. maybe, I suppose. I'm going to candle all tonight, pitch the duds and leave in the *possibilities* I think.

What's the news?