Separating ducks from momma ?

[nao57]

So I'd been wondering when the best time is to separate the ducklings from momma. The momma is very good. She has great instincts. If they get separated from the nest she'll go after the stray. When they get out of the kiddie pool that I have them in, she acts protective when I have to go over to get them back in. (Which is good.)

But I'm not sure if its ideal to separate ....well when basically. I'd wanted to wait till at least 1 week because of mortality issues. I'll probably end up selling them. But I would guess it'd be best to have it at the right time. And thought I'd be willing to see what others say about when is that ideal window.

Thanks.

Oh yeah, and also I'm also worried about the stress on momma that will be caused at separation. (And babies but they'll probably get over it faster than momma?)

 

[JacinLarkwell]

Why are you wanting to seperate? To sell?

 

[nao57]

Tried to do a few pics and a vid. Sorry some failed.

 

[nao57]

Why are you wanting to seperate? To sell?

Yes. I already have too many. So I can sell them to fund the feed cost.

But it is hard to not keep them. they are so fun to see. (Backyard already has other ducks tho..)

 

[JacinLarkwell]

Personally if you can keep even just one, I would take them now and leave the last one with her (they'll be fine with just mama, just a bit louder). If you can't keep any, I would wait a little longer, just so it's more natural. Or do groups of them at a time, not all at once

 

[nao57]

Personally if you can keep even just one, I would take them now and leave the last one with her (they'll be fine with just mama, just a bit louder). If you can't keep any, I would wait a little longer, just so it's more natural. Or do groups of them at a time, not all at once

Wow that's actually a good idea. It does seem like it would level out the stress line a lot instead of going cold turkey. Thank you very much.

 

[JacinLarkwell]

Wow that's actually a good idea. It does seem like it would level out the stress line a lot instead of going cold turkey. Thank you very much.

No problem. It's how we do chicken chicks with broody mamas. Tgey dint seem to care so long as they have one to care for.