*Silkie hatching duck eggs*

[FalconGirl17]

Any advice? First time hatching ducklings (hopefully!).

 

[sylviethecochin]

Welcome to BYC.

Don't give her more eggs than she can cover. Hay nests are far superior to shavings nests, due to shape. Don't keep food and water close, they attract predators and pests. Allow her access to a dustbath.

If you decide to add chicken eggs, be aware that they should be added a week after the duck eggs were added. Don't let any other birds lay in the nest.

Be aware that duck eggs take a very long time to hatch. Not to incubate--to hatch. Ducklings will pip and then zip up to three days afterwards. Further, be aware that some experienced brooders know the difference between chicks and ducks and try to kill the ducks.

All I can think of right now. Good luck.

 

[sourland]

Welcome to BYC. Let momma do her thing and good luck for a successful incubation and hatch.

 

[FalconGirl17]

Thanks for the advice!

 

[FalconGirl17]

Welcome to BYC.

Don't give her more eggs than she can cover. Hay nests are far superior to shavings nests, due to shape. Don't keep food and water close, they attract predators and pests. Allow her access to a dustbath.

If you decide to add chicken eggs, be aware that they should be added a week after the duck eggs were added. Don't let any other birds lay in the nest.

Be aware that duck eggs take a very long time to hatch. Not to incubate--to hatch. Ducklings will pip and then zip up to three days afterwards. Further, be aware that some experienced brooders know the difference between chicks and ducks and try to kill the ducks.
Que
All I can think of right now. Good luck.

What does zip up mean?

 

[FoodFreedomNow]

What does zip up mean?

If you re-read the sentence, @sylviethecochin was referring to what happens after the duckling or chick pips externally...the "zipping" process. She said "ducklings will pip and zip up to three days afterwards".

 

[chickens really]

A Silkie will definitely mother the Ducklings..If she is a good Momma she will not care if chick or Ducklings come out of the eggs. Separate her from the flock to set and hatch out babies. I keep food and water accessible to Momma and room enough to get off nest to poop and once hatching I move it closer to the nest so babies can eat when needed.

 

[FalconGirl17]

If you re-read the sentence, @sylviethecochin was referring to what happens after the duckling or chick pips externally...the "zipping" process. She said "ducklings will pip and zip up to three days afterwards".

Ah. Now I understand, thank you!

 

[FalconGirl17]

Thank you for all the advice, everyone!