Removing Ducks from Momma

[rlmitchell]

Hi all. I have two momma ducks who have just hatched 8 ducklings (so cute!). I have a lady who wants to buy 6 of them (we decided to keep 2). They all hatched between Saturday night around 11:00 p.m. and Sunday around 3:00 (last one). How soon can I take them away from momma duck and what is the best way to go about doing so? I don't want to upset momma TOO badly (which is why we're keeping 2), but they need to go so this lady can bond with the ducklings as she wants them as pets. Ideas???

 

[Amiga]

I don't know, I just wanted to say hello. Seems to me a tough question - either way I think there will be some stress, just due to the changes.

 

[rlmitchell]

Hello, Amiga! We decided to do a test today and removed a few of her babies at a time. She was a little stressed by quickly focused on the other babies. Tomorrow is the big day. We have decided to give away 7 of them and keep 2 (oh yes, I miscounted - 9 total instead of 8!). Those 7 will be going to new homes tomorrow. Bitter sweet.

 

[Amiga]