Sitting duck questions

[Miss Lydia]

It's a good thing you got those 7 out if they explode in the nest they can spread bacteria over the good ones. So now we sit and wait. lol

Look forward to hearing when hatch starts!!

 

[mkcragg]

A couple updates and more questions!

We moved the other ducks out of the shed into a different house for a little bit. I've been super nervous about the hatch starting when I'm not there to move everything to the brooder, so we moved everyone out so Mama could concentrate and have some peace. They'll move back into their shed once I move Mama to the brooder.

I went in yesterday, and she got off the nest to fuss at me. While she was walking around the shed, I heard this huge toot sound, and I looked down and she had just pooped a big ol' pile of poop! Is that ok? I thought maybe she had just not gotten up all day to go, and it just all came out at once, but I wanted to make sure. It wasn't weird looking, just a LOT of it!

I think things have been progressing slowly, because the air pocket is just now much bigger (this morning). No internal pips that I could find, but I only checked a couple because she was fussy. It finally looks like things will get going soon. Should I wait til things actually start to move her and the nest to the brooder? I figured this late in the game, she might not abandon them, plus she won't have anything else to do or anywhere to go. Husband says wait, but I'm so nervous about the babies and how cold it is.

Today is my last day of school before Christmas break (high school teacher), so I'll be home to go on what my husband is calling "Hatch Watch 2017 #thehatchening"

 

[iluvsedward]

tough call... I've never moved a broody before but I know people who have done it (usually at night) and have had success

 

[chickens really]

Hello...I always wait till they start hatching and then move my Duck Hens..I put her in a Brooder Pen and make a nest with Ducklings and eggs still hatching and walk away till she settles..I peak in on her about an hour later..Generally they settle down and are on the nest with babies and eggs..THAT HUGE POOP...Its called Broody Poop.Normal.

 

[WVduckchick]

I've moved broodies right before the hatching starts, after the hatch is all done, and even during...with an active pip! If she doesn't have anywhere else to go, your chances are better that she will stay put, but there's always that slight risk.

Oh lawdy, broody poop is THE WORST STANK, but very normal.

Good luck!!

 

[mkcragg]

We have a baby half out of its shell! And another with a big hole in the shell and another pipped! Will Mama squash them? She kinda did a waddle in place on the nest and settled down. I heard the first one peeping and I have no idea what distressed peeping sounds like. I’m so excited!!!!! Christmas ducklings!

 

[chickens really]

We have a baby half out of its shell! And another with a big hole in the shell and another pipped! Will Mama squash them? She kinda did a waddle in place on the nest and settled down. I heard the first one peeping and I have no idea what distressed peeping sounds like. I’m so excited!!!!! Christmas ducklings!

Don't interfere too much or Momma will stress

 

[mkcragg]

Don't interfere too much or Momma will stress

Ok! I came in the garage where we have the brooder set up and heard peeping. I poked my head over the side and she got off the nest enough for me to see and then sat right back down. Like to say, “Check this out...but don’t get too close missy!”

I’m going to leave her be the rest of the night and refill her food and water in the morning. Maybe she’ll give me another look then!

 

[chickens really]

Ok! I came in the garage where we have the brooder set up and heard peeping. I poked my head over the side and she got off the nest enough for me to see and then sat right back down. Like to say, “Check this out...but don’t get too close missy!”

I’m going to leave her be the rest of the night and refill her food and water in the morning. Maybe she’ll give me another look then!

Yes...Leave her to bond with babies and then feed and water them all in the morning..Congrats..Name one Noel..

 

[Miss Lydia]

How exciting Looking forward to hearing all about it once you get a good look