The Broody Duck Thread for 2014

[JeremyMtc]

When should I let them outside to play in the grass? How old should they be to go with the other ducks? How long will she sit on the last egg? If it doesn't hatch

 

[Miss Lydia]

When should I let them outside to play in the grass? How old should they be to go with the other ducks? How long will she sit on the last egg? If it doesn't hatch

Usually by day 3 of first to hatch mama will want to take her ducklings outside, if I was you I'd separate her and babies with temp fencing so everyone can see but no one can touch. Adults and drakes can hurt even kill ducklings and mamas really don't do alot to protect. I did have a Muscovy who sat for 4 days after her first hatched but I don't think that's the norm most want outside at least by day 3. Make sure there is no water too deep ducklings can't get out of because even with mama they can drown I had one drown in a cat litter pan with mama caring for them. I have no idea what happened. I wait till at least 3 weeks old before mine go out with adult ducks/ chickens by then they can usually stay out of their way. And everyone is use to the new kids. Pics when you can. Congrats on your ducklings

 

[JeremyMtc]

 

[Miss Lydia]

What a sweet pic.. Congratulations

 

[Amiga]

 

[JeremyMtc]

The last egg hatched this morning, so she hatched 13 out of 13 eggs

 

[Miss Lydia]

The last egg hatched this morning, so she hatched 13 out of 13 eggs

That is a fantastic hatch give that mama some meal worms. Congrats!!

 

[Mrs.H]

The last egg hatched this morning, so she hatched 13 out of 13 eggs

Awesome! Keep us posted!

 

[JeremyMtc]

I have some more questions.
How old do you think before the cats won't try to attack them? How much water should they be able to swim in? When should the drake be able to be in the same pen? What are some duck treats? Has anybody ever got a runt? because we have one that is smaller than the others and keeps falling when running.

 

[Mrs.H]

I have some more questions.
How old do you think before the cats won't try to attack them? How much water should they be able to swim in? When should the drake be able to be in the same pen? What are some duck treats? Has anybody ever got a runt? because we have one that is smaller than the others and keeps falling when running.

Does the cat have access to them? Does the cat attack your other ducks? I kept a very shallow pool with a ramp for the mommas and babies, about an inch of water for the first few weeks. But didn't put the pool out till they were outside all day exploring (after everyone was recovered and rested from the whole hatching process) I kept my drakes seperate from them for a couple months, they however were just divided with a short fence so they were still interacting with mommas and babies the entire time. I have no clue about runts, def keep an eye out on him