Using a Broody Hen to Raise Ducklings, Questions

[karenmragan]

Hello everyone! I could really use some advice from anyone who has done this before. I have 5 baby ducklings in the incubator almost due to hatch, and I was thinking about letting a broody hen raise them. She is a BO hen and a very dedicated mother, but has never had experience with ducklings.

How might I approach the situation to ensure success? I was thinking presenting the ducklings to her and if she clucks, then go from there. Any thoughts?

Thank you!

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

I haven't done it myself, but it's best if they hatch the eggs as they bond through the eggs on those last couple of days as the eggs peep and the hen answers. Hopefully someone who's had a chicken raise ducklings can advise.

Usually though you don't want cross species rearing as later on they won't know they are different species and the drakes will try to mate chicken hens which can cause damage.

 

[karenmragan]

I haven't done it myself, but it's best if they hatch the eggs as they bond through the eggs on those last couple of days as the eggs peep and the hen answers. Hopefully someone who's had a chicken raise ducklings can advise.

Usually though you don't want cross species rearing as later on they won't know they are different species and the drakes will try to mate chicken hens which can cause damage.

Ok thanks this is helpful.