Seperating ducklings

[dziabiak]

I just got my first clutch of hatched ducklings. There are 3. To begin with I had one drake and female. I suspect the ducklings are 2 females and one male. I have someone who wants some, so i figured id give her two, one female and one male-what i believe is male & female. My question is, if i do that, will the one female left behind with mom be ok? They really cry if i hold one at a time and theyre seperated at all. The reason i want to keep the one is i have a special bond with her. I hatched her after noticing she wasnt making any progress, she laid there with her beak out of the egg, chirping at everyone, getting stepped on etc. For a full day. So i was the first person she saw, and she is the only one with a crest like mom, and white feet like dad. Anyway, ill let her go if its going to be detramental that she go with the siblings. Any thoughts would be appreciated. Thank you!

 

[chickens really]

It's terribly hard on Ducklings to separate from Momma till she weans them at around 6 weeks..They cry and Momma looks for them..

 

[dziabiak]

Ok, maybe ill try waiting the 6 weeks then. Yes they do seem distressed just taking them out. i send mom out with dad to give him time with another duck, and to give me a chance to interact with the babies.

 

[chickens really]

Ok, maybe ill try waiting the 6 weeks then. Yes they do seem distressed just taking them out. i send mom out with dad to give him time with another duck, and to give me a chance to interact with the babies.

Hmm..I don't ever do that..Leave with Momma and admire from a distance..Mommas love their Ducklings and adding stress to them is not necessary..

 

[dziabiak]

I guess im confused from different answers. Im seeing people on here say they take them the moment they hatch. She wouldve killed me for that. Im seeing people say they have no issues taking them whenever. I guess that doesnt necessarily mean its right to do..

 

[Miss Lydia]

I usually wait till at least 3-4 weeks old by then mom is beginning to lose interest and ducklings are sturdy by then. It's always open for debate on when you take from mom but I feel she sat this long she should have a chance at raising them too.

 

[sourland]

Mothers spend a lot of energy brooding and hatching chicks/ducklings and deserve the joy/right of raising them. Just my opinion.

 

[dziabiak]

Ok, thats good advice. I will take it. I can see she is very protective and dont have the heart to pull them away.

 

[chickens really]

Ok, thats good advice. I will take it. I can see she is very protective and dont have the heart to pull them away.

Excellent decision...

 

[AllenK RGV]

I don't know squat about ducks but I assume with time sexing them with certainty will be a much easier job for you.

Edit-- Welcome to BYC! I see this was your first post don't ever be shy to ask us anything.

Best wishes!