The Accidental Smallholder Forum

Livestock => Poultry & Waterfowl => Topic started by: Roxy on June 23, 2011, 12:39:08 am

Title: When can ducklings leave the broody hen?
Post by: Roxy on June 23, 2011, 12:39:08 am

Their owner says she thinks they will be ok now - at around 4 weeks.  I assume she is just putting them in a hut or something enclosed.  I know rats have a liking for ducklings ....but these are large enough I think. to stay safe.  As I said in my other post they are sitting alongside the hen, so are not having heat.

So, is it safe to send them on their way, now?

Title: Re: When can ducklings leave the broody hen?
Post by: doganjo on June 23, 2011, 10:11:38 am

Why does she need to separate them?  I'd leave them till they want to go personally.

Title: Re: When can ducklings leave the broody hen?
Post by: northfifeduckling on June 23, 2011, 11:57:12 am

best when the "mother" gets fed up with looking after them.... :&>

Title: Re: When can ducklings leave the broody hen?
Post by: Roxy on June 24, 2011, 12:32:35 am

Its my hen ....who sat on neighbours duck eggs.  Hen is happy enough with them, and its no bother for me, they can stay as they want.  Its Elaine, who maybe thinks they are eating my feed, I am having to feed them etc......

Title: Re: When can ducklings leave the broody hen?
Post by: sabrina on June 24, 2011, 05:53:21 am

If I was her I would buy you some feed and let the ducklings have some more time with their foster mum, keep all happy  ;D

Title: Re: When can ducklings leave the broody hen?
Post by: doganjo on June 24, 2011, 11:33:47 am

Quote from: sabrina on June 24, 2011, 05:53:21 am

If I was her I would buy you some feed and let the ducklings have some more time with their foster mum, keep all happy  ;D

Yup, agreed - best thing all round