Pekin disaster

[earlycrow1]

So last year for the first time we decided to hatch some blue Pekins. The mother was fine but after a first few days began trodding on her chicks which killed them. To me it seemed like clumsiness "watch where your putting your feet" but is there another explanation? Are they not good mothers, would another hen do a better job or what about an incubator?

 

[red horse ranch]

So last year for the first time we decided to hatch some blue Pekins. The mother was fine but after a first few days began trodding on her chicks which killed them. To me it seemed like clumsiness "watch where your putting your feet" but is there another explanation? Are they not good mothers, would another hen do a better job or what about an incubator?

I've not had the Pekins but the ducks I used to have were good mothers. Is it possible that other ducks or chickens were bothering her and she stepped on them while trying to defend them?
I think you would have better luck incubating them.

 

[earlycrow1]

No we kept the mother and chicks seperate so that wouldn't have been it

 

[Gingersnap722]

Not sure, but I've heard that Pekins are not good mothers.

 

[sourland]

Some ducks can be very clumsy and inattentive mothers. Providing lots of space and limiting access to bathing water early on can help with duckling survival.

 

[earlycrow1]

Pekins are a type of chicken not duck. Sorry I should've made that clearer as I'm from Britain and many may not have heard of them.

 

[Gingersnap722]

Pekins are a type of chicken not duck. Sorry I should've made that clearer as I'm from Britain and many may not have heard of them.

Oops, ha ha! I didn't realize there were Pekin chickens too. Please disregard my comment above!