[Pinecooler]

At the end of last month one of my hens went broody and there was no dissuading her. I therefore made a broody coop and run then swapped out the hen eggs (no cocquerel) for 4 runner duck eggs and she has proven to be a resolute sitter.
When candled 2 showed definite growth, one was definitely infertile and one was unclear.
The sitting started on the 1st of may and as such they are due to hatch in the next few days.
My question is what do I do with the ducklings once born? Leave them with the hen? Or take them away?

Any help will be gratefully received.

[chrismahon]

You can leave them with her for a while, but you must keep them away from water. Ducklings don't produce oil to waterproof their feathers initially (about 4 weeks I think) and rely on the mother duck to supply it. I have also heard of a mother hen drowning in an attempt to save her 'chicks' that took to the water. They will need heat of course if you separate them.

[devonlady]

Give them a paint tray of water at a few days old, they will love it and it won't worry mammy.