Old fashioned Broody thread for ducks 2013 edition

[keirys]

When does mama leave her young? Tonight mama duck went in the coop with the drake

 

[Miss Lydia]

When does mama leave her young? Tonight mama duck went in the coop with the drake

Depends on the duck, but not unusual for them to walk away at 3-4 weeks. My mama doesn't have much at all to do with her babies during the day but is still sleeping with them at night, mostly because her 2 sisters who she use to sleep with are both brooding on nothing but acting the part to the hilt. So she sleeps with her ducklings who will be 5 weeks this coming week.

 

[DawnB]

When can the mama and babies be turned out all day? Right now my ducklings are 2 wks old. They and mama are still in the pen. They get to wander (supervised) 3-4 times a day with their excursions getting longer and further from their pen.

My geese are VERY interested in the babies...the drake just runs away when they chase him (rather funny really).

Also...when the duck is the broody and then takes care of the babies (no incubator) do you handle the ducklings? It's KILLING my boys not to get to hold them, but mama's really protective. What are your thiughts on this?

Thanks!
Dawn

 

[Miss Lydia]

When can the mama and babies be turned out all day? Right now my ducklings are 2 wks old. They and mama are still in the pen. They get to wander (supervised) 3-4 times a day with their excursions getting longer and further from their pen.

My geese are VERY interested in the babies...the drake just runs away when they chase him (rather funny really).

Also...when the duck is the broody and then takes care of the babies (no incubator) do you handle the ducklings? It's KILLING my boys not to get to hold them, but mama's really protective. What are your thiughts on this?

Thanks!
Dawn

Mine were out among the flock at 2 weeks but I kept a close eye on them, I had one stepped on and killed by my gander last year[accident] he loved the ducklings but my drake spooked him and he moved too fast. So this year I have been very protective even more so. Now that mine are 5 weeks they can get out of the way faster. I haven't picked mine up much just a few times but I don't pick any of mine up unless I need to. Duckling brooded by mama aren't as friendly as brooder raised ducklings by humans. But mama will relax more in the next few weeks too. Get meal worms and start giving them as a treat while you still have them penned up, that way they get use to you and your boys feeding them, I bet giving them a little time sitting in the pen with them ya'll will have them eating out of your hands in no time.

 

[Heidisgran]

HI dawn...I let my mamma decide that...I watched until I was comfortable...they did great parenting without me.
as far as holding them...we hold them with clean hands after their belly buttons heal...I want them to love us like we love them!!

 

[DawnB]

Well, Alice is still bringing them back into the pen, so I'll just let her set the pace. I would like to have another clutch this summer tho!

I'll definitely try the meal worms. Almost grabbed a bag at TS the other day. Ill add it to my Iist of stuff I forgot! Haa!

Thanks!

 

[new2ducks]

Mommy (Sahara) and her 3 babies. On her nest under the lawn chair! I enjoy having my coffee in the kennel with them while they have their breakfast.

 

[minihorse927]

day old

a couple weeks old. Momma and surrogate momma plus Daddy. Not much sleep going on cause of the babies.

6 weeks and a couple days.

 

[Miss Lydia]

Mommy (Sahara) and her 3 babies. On her nest under the lawn chair! I enjoy having my coffee in the kennel with them while they have their breakfast.

They are so adorable. Congrats!!!

 

[Miss Lydia]

day old
a couple weeks old. Momma and surrogate momma plus Daddy. Not much sleep going on cause of the babies.
6 weeks and a couple days.

Beautiful ducks love the little Calls.