When to let hen and ducklings out with flock

[Iivingmybestlife]

I’ve read threads that are similar to my question, but would still like some advice. My banty hen went broody about 4 weeks ago. A week or so later one of my white leghorns went broody as well. Last week the leghorn stole all the eggs, then one hatched a week ago. I’ve got a staggered hatch, so the leghorn is taking care of her chick and still sitting. Rest of clutch should hatch in the next week. For my poor banty who continued to sit, I placed a couple of unfertilized eggs under her for 24 hours, then on Sunday went to get 2 chicks and, at my husband’s sweet request, came home with 2 ducklings. She has accepted them well, they have attached to her, and she is up and scratching around. I have both hens in a coop together separated from the rest of the flock. This morning the leghorn was attacking the ducklings any time they came near her. Since my banty is up and moving, is it time to let her out with the rest of the flock? Never raised ducklings before so would appreciate any advice you all have.

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

You should separate the broody with her chicks and ducklings for a week or two for them to bond with the hen and to get strong enough to follow her and avoid other hens attacking them which happens sometimes.

You should be careful letting a chicken raise ducks. If any are males they will try to mate your chicken hens as they won't understand they are a different species.