silky hatched my duck eggs

[ALLIMACARTNEY]

My friend had a very clucky silky so I gave him a few of my ducks eggs for her to hatch. This morning 1 little cutie hatched she is still sitting on 2 more? I was just wandering how long the ducklings will have to stay with their foster mum before I can bring them home to the flock? Or should I bring the foster mum home too and let her rear them herself?

 

[Brookethechickenwhisperer]

It really doesn’t matter how long they stay with her; but if you prefer to let her guard them and raise them , then you should bring her home. I would personally bring the hen home and let her raise them.

 

[BreanneRN]

Just be careful around water, I don't think Silkies can swim... and they can't fly either...

 

[casportpony]

My friend had a very clucky silky so I gave him a few of my ducks eggs for her to hatch. This morning 1 little cutie hatched she is still sitting on 2 more? I was just wandering how long the ducklings will have to stay with their foster mum before I can bring them home to the flock? Or should I bring the foster mum home too and let her rear them herself?

Welcome to BYC! I would bring them all home.

 

[chickens really]

Yes...Let Momma raise them..A Chicken won't go in the water. She will panic at first when Ducklings do..
Congrats..Raise them as Ducklings not Chicks. The Hen will be great.

 

[BreanneRN]

How fond is your friend of his Silkie Hen? Is he/she willing to let you bring her home to care for ducklings? Remember, you will be responsible for this little hen's safe return. If she doesn't, it could be the end of a beautiful friendship...

 

[Abriana]

Yes...Let Momma raise them..A Chicken won't go in the water. She will panic at first when Ducklings do..
Congrats..Raise them as Ducklings not Chicks. The Hen will be great.

Actually sometimes hens do go in the water, and others simply freak out.

 

[chickens really]

Actually sometimes hens do go in the water, and others simply freak out.

Hmmm? My Husbands Grandma only used Hens to hatch her Ducks and never lost one Chicken Momma to drowning. I guess anything is possible...

 

[Abriana]

Hmmm? My Husbands Grandma only used Hens to hatch her Ducks and never lost one Chicken Momma to drowning. I guess anything is possible...

Usually they won’t drown, I’ve heard some would swim. But I would keep the water very shallow in case and trim around the silkies eyes.

 

[BreanneRN]

Usually they won’t drown, I’ve heard some would swim. But I would keep the water very shallow in case and trim around the silkies eyes.

Chickens in general are disadvantaged in water, but a Silkie is much more so due to the hair like down and lack of feathering. Because of this they will also have more trouble getting out of water. They are also determined and protective mothers.