Separate broody on eggs?

[kmpcfp]

I had another post about my young hen duck dieing possibly due to breeding by an adult drake, but figured I'd ask this question as a separate post. Anyway, I have another call hen sitting on 8 eggs that are due to hatch around the 18th (best guess after candling a "surprise" clutch). Should I separate her out from the rest of the flock before her eggs hatch? As soon as she gets off the nest she runs over to socialize with the rest of the flock, but now I am worried about her ducklings facing the same fate as our 7 week old duckling. Should I keep another hen with her as company if I separate? And if so, how long would I need to keep them separated? Until any female ducklings are 4 months+?

 

[Miss Lydia]

That's so sad about your duckling. Duckling do not and should not be with drakes until laying age.
Yes make your call broody a safe space so her and her ducklings will not be molested by any drakes or females. Keep her where they can all see the ducklings but can't get to them. Makes it a lot easier to integrate if they are able to see them from a young age. No need to keep another female with her because most likely she won't be welcome once the ducklings hatch. Most mamas are very protective.