Separating mom and babies?

[Campo]

Hi all, our Buff just hatched a 2 ducklings yesterday. Our city doesn’t allow more than 4 hens, and we have a family lined up to take them now that they’re hatched… I’m wondering when would be least stressful for the new babies? We hatched the parents (a runner and the buff) from eggs last year, so I haven’t any idea about separation!
Also, when will she go back to being a normal social/bossy/non-protective hen?
Thanks!

 

[AmeraucanaHank]

I’m wondering when would be least stressful for the new babies?

I would wait at least till they're fully feathered(6-8 weeks) to move them.

Also, when will she go back to being a normal social/bossy/non-protective hen?

Not sure about ducks but I had a chicken go broody a couple of times and after they hatch they are still very protective but in a different way. She will probably turn back to normal after a couple of weeks of her babies are gone.

 

[Campo]

I would wait at least till they're fully feathered(6-8 weeks) to move them.

Not sure about ducks but I had a chicken go broody a couple of times and after they hatch they are still very protective but in a different way. She will probably turn back to normal after a couple of weeks of her babies are gone.

Thanks! My worry is that the garden is safe for bigger ducks, but not at all secure enough/set up for little guys. We have the brooder and plenty of bedding… but I just don’t think that they would make it for 6-8 weeks outdoors. And would feel terrible if something gets them.

 

[cheezenkwackers]

I would do it right away. Imprinting happens in the first 48 hours so I would want them to imprint on humans not mommy duck. Just my opinion.

 

[AmeraucanaHank]

I would do it right away. Imprinting happens in the first 48 hours so I would want them to imprint on humans not mommy duck. Just my opinion.

Yes, that is another way to do it, but if it was me I would feel terrible if I took her babies. To see her work so hard to hatch them and the moment they hatch take them away. But that's just me!

 

[AmeraucanaHank]

Thanks! My worry is that the garden is safe for bigger ducks, but not at all secure enough/set up for little guys. We have the brooder and plenty of bedding… but I just don’t think that they would make it for 6-8 weeks outdoors. And would feel terrible if something gets them.

could you make a little area for them? I find old baby gates are great!