[Mel]

Hi,I have just noticed my first two ducklings are hatching,as it is my first time with ducks,do I do the same as hen chicks and not feed them for 24 hrs or so-then on to the crumb? They are being hatched by broody hens!-I have 12 under each broody.any advice would be really appreciated only i want to make sure I am ready for when they are fully hatched!

[goosepimple]

You don't say what type of ducks they are - we've kept runners/campbells/muscovy ducks - I just put a flat plate of very wet breadcrumbs (not just bits of bread which can come off in too big bits) in the day after you're sure everything's hatched - watch how you do it so they don't drown - they're fine for 2-3 days  but some may be more advanced than others - if putting in crumbs make sure they're wet with either water or I use milk which has worked really well in the past.  The crumbs have never been eaten dry and I just went on to mixed corn same as the hens and they've always survived - our ducks have always been very hardy wee things and I wouldn't worry about them too much - however, I've never used a hen before but it's supposed to be a good option(?) ducks can be a bit careless to say the least.  good luck!

[Mel]

Sorry,well,I have campbells,miniature campbell crosses,Runners,Muscovy,call ducks and aylesbury's. trouble is I believe they all might be crossed as the boys have been a tad active recently,One of my aylesbury's keeps trying his hardest to be passionate with my goose!

[Mel]

You don't say what type of ducks they are - we've kept runners/campbells/muscovy ducks - I just put a flat plate of very wet breadcrumbs (not just bits of bread which can come off in too big bits) in the day after you're sure everything's hatched - watch how you do it so they don't drown - they're fine for 2-3 days  but some may be more advanced than others - if putting in crumbs make sure they're wet with either water or I use milk which has worked really well in the past.  The crumbs have never been eaten dry and I just went on to mixed corn same as the hens and they've always survived - our ducks have always been very hardy wee things and I wouldn't worry about them too much - however, I've never used a hen before but it's supposed to be a good option(?) ducks can be a bit careless to say the least.  good luck!

Thank you very much by the way! my first has just hatched-gorgeous,small fluffy,huge bill and brown

[goosepimple]

well done!!!! ducks are such a joy, I would never be without them now.  Good luck

[ellisr]

My friend hatched ducklings with a broody and everything went great until the ducklings decided to go for a swim with the other ducks and the poor hen ran round and round the pond sounding like someone was killing her she only settled when her babies came out of the pond

[Mel]

I had envisaged that!  I know she shall go potty,by the way,I have had 6 more hatch today!

[Womble]

Yup, we've got a broody bantam hen with five three week old Indian Runners.  Does anybody know where we can take her for counselling once this is all over? Her 'kids' are already looking her in the eye, and she really can't figure out the whole swimming thing!!

[Mel]

Yay!!! My Princess-(cross between a Pure breed French Maran and Pure breed Buff Orpington Cockerel-Bertie,Last years chicks-home bred ) with her 7 new Ducklings,I had 7 out of 9 hatch,pretty good going that-I am thrilled to bits.Princess is horrendously protective over them like no other hen I have had!

[Sandy]

Must have a good camera, they are stunning!!