When is too cold for a hen to raise ducklings?

[Ducktor Beers]

Hi yall!

After losing my runner, I'm left with a bonded pair of mallards and I'm pining for some new friends. My mallard hen has just started laying (7 months old) and I just think she would make such a great mum; my goal is to make her go broody on some fake eggs and then switch them out with some fertilized eggs. Hopefully runner eggs, to honor our late Auntie Faye, but maybe a mix!

Anyway. It's not too cold yet and it never snows here or anything (dead of winter might get to 20F in January, usually between 30 & 50F), but if they hatched in the next month or two would it be too cold for a hen to raise ducklings successfully? I'm impatient, but I don't want to be negligent. Has anyone seen their ducks hatch in winter under a hen?

 

[sourland]

It can be done, but you will have to provide a dry, wind free pen and allow no access to swimming water as they are easily chilled.

 

[Ducktor Beers]

Thanks! Do you think I should provide a heat lamp or will the hen be able to keep them warm?

It can be done, but you will have to provide a dry, wind free pen and allow no access to swimming water as they are easily chilled.

 

[sourland]

It depends upon the hen. Most are attentive to the needs of their ducklings, but others are oblivious. I'd have a 'Plan B' in mind just in case.