Old fashioned Broody thread for ducks 2013 edition

[HollyDuckFarmer]

So the ducklings that are here I am finding in the morning all huddled together underneath one of the ramps. Yesterday am, mom was about 1' away, but def not sitting on the d'lings. Today mom was quite some distance away. My overnight low temp was 51'F... NOAA says that should rise over the next week ahead, but only 54'F tonight. So I'm wondering. Since this is this way, should I be locking mom & babies inside at night?

 

[Miss Lydia]

So the ducklings that are here I am finding in the morning all huddled together underneath one of the ramps. Yesterday am, mom was about 1' away, but def not sitting on the d'lings. Today mom was quite some distance away. My overnight low temp was 51'F... NOAA says that should rise over the next week ahead, but only 54'F tonight. So I'm wondering. Since this is this way, should I be locking mom & babies inside at night?

Might make her more responsible H. I have seen some of mine not cuddling on theirs to keep them warm, not like my chickens do with their chicks.

 

[HollyDuckFarmer]

I'm thinking it might be a good idea, especially while the temps are low.

 

[Miss Lydia]

I'm thinking it might be a good idea, especially while the temps are low.

I think your right. Better this way. They are defiantly a lot tuffer than we think but when you see them huddling makes me want to sit on them and warm them up.

 

[HollyDuckFarmer]

I know, I felt horrible when I saw them!!! It amazes me how tough they are when mamma hatches them.

So I was wondering, is there a general rule for successful hatch % with Broodies vs. incubators? I ask b/c I gave away 1 doz, they were them incubated and had hatch rate of 75%... Pretty good, right? I don't ever see that with the Broodies here tho.

 

[wazzy]

They hatched. 9 Muscovy 5 black and yellow 4 all yellow

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[Miss Lydia]

They hatched. 9 Muscovy 5 black and yellow 4 all yellow

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How precious, Congrats!!!

 

[HollyDuckFarmer]

Aww. So sweet !!!!!

ML, about my momma duck. Do you think the ducklings would *choose* to sleep away from mom this early?

 

[Miss Lydia]

Aww. So sweet !!!!!

ML, about my momma duck. Do you think the ducklings would *choose* to sleep away from mom this early?

What age Holly? sorry I don't remember. I know mine were pretty much on their own during the day light hours at 2 weeks.

 

[HollyDuckFarmer]

12 days.