When can I remove ducklings from surrogate hen?

[russej]

I had my 3 of my 4 ducks disappear overnight with no trace.
Fox? not convinced as there were no scattering of feathers & 1 untouched. Foxes I have been told will kill everything and take 1, my ducks were huge, a fox would have had to take them 1 by 1. What do you think stolen or fox?

To replace my flock I collected the most recent eggs from my egg basket and located a broody hen and placed the eggs in her care.
Wow I have 4 little ducklings yesterday.

When can I remove them from the surrogate hen?
Will the hen be upset? Can I do anything to keep the hen happy?
Can I put the ducklings with my remaining female duck to bring up?

So many things, can anyone help?

Thanks

 

[Blammmo]

I'd personally let the hen raise them, as long as she's a good mother what is the difference?

 

[HorseMadWhovian]

I agree with Blammo, My silky hen has raised three chicks, none of which were her's and I left her with them, once they got big enough (I think mine held on to hers for a bit) she left them and now they're at the bottom of the pecking order but they're happy and not being bullied. I find that because an existing member raised them they got bullied less.

 

[keesmom]

When can I remove them from the surrogate hen?
Will the hen be upset? Can I do anything to keep the hen happy?
Can I put the ducklings with my remaining female duck to bring up?

So many things, can anyone help?

Thanks

I think the ducklings may be more upset than the hen. If they have already imprinted on her then taking them away will result in endless peeping from them. And unless your remaining duck is broody she may not like the babies much.

 

[russej]

thanks for your response
The problem is the surrogate hen isn't mine that's why i need to know the best way to separate them and the best time.
Will the surrogate hen be upset if so can I pacify her in any way?

J

 

[keesmom]

I would try it soon to prevent the ducklings from imprinting on her. Would the owner mind a couple of extra chicks from a feed store? Maybe at night sneak the ducklings out and some chicks in?