Chiquens4U
In the Brooder
- Nov 2, 2022
- 15
- 10
- 31
I let my broody duck sit on and collect 5 eggs. 3 hatched healthy and well. I’ve only ever had 1 broody chicken so I was pretty new to this. Today I find the 4th baby on its back shivering on wet bedding and the mom protecting but not sitting on it. The bedding was wet because y’all know how ducks are and she did not want to get out of the coop to eat and drink so I had to bring it inside. I felt uncomfortable seeing it was still not being tended to and brought it inside to my incubator and figured I could let it perk up before reintroducing it to her. I thought worst case scenario she rejects it and I will have to raise it. I go to refresh the bedding before the last duck hatches and it was too late. Same thing pushed to the side cold and stiff on wet bedding and not being tended to. Also looked like it was unusually bloody and wounded then then the one before. Then I start stressing because I’m thinking what if they came out too late or something and she doesn’t consider them hers and she’s trying to kill them. I also was like is it because I’m here trying to monitor that’s stressing her out? I gently and calmly try to put a little bit of dry bedding but the mom is going crazy and attacking me and bites and tramples the poor little baby. I assumed maybe it was a accident but I felt I should not take the risk and it wouldn’t be bad if the other one had a buddy to help perk up. I brought it and left momma to cool down and made sure she was still good with her current babies. I kept a eye out and saw the babies were perking up but now one look splayed and one is bleeding from the mouth. I’m so sad and I am not sure if the mom knew something was wrong or if I did something. Hatching with a non aggressive sweet hen was a lot easier and less hassle. I know all moms have different temperament but I don’t know what to do I hate seeing it suffer. I don’t know if I regret intervening at all. What might have caused this? Internal damage right at hatching?