[fifixx]

I have 4 ducks and a drake - Aylesburys - which are laying.  this morning I found one of my hens has gone broody...So - can I put the duck eggs under her and hatch them?  I'm sure life is not this easy!

[Hermit]

Yes , some people actually prefer a hen broody to a duck mother. They are better mothers as they let chicks eat first etc. Watch the mother panic when the ducklings go to water  Dont overload the hen though she will need to cover them all well as extra heat and moisture she will have to provide.

[jameslindsay]

Many people I know say that hens make far better mothers than ducks.

[doganjo]

Yup, I've done it twice.  Mummy hen is very caring, and goes absolutely spare if the 'chick' goes anywhere near water!  So I kept mine away from the duck pond till they were a good few weeks old.

[fifixx]

So how long does the hen sit on the eggs and is it difficult to get her off to eat and drink?

[sheila]

Iv'e got two duck eggs under a hen which are due to hatch any time now. How long can a duckling go before it has to be introduced to water?

[jameslindsay]

I read somewhere that says ducklings should not swim before 9/12 weeks or until they have their feathers. I let any I hatch swim after 24 hours and have never had a problem. So, if you believe that you have a fair amount of time before you have to worry.

[Hermit]

I let mine have access to a little pool when I know they are fit and healthy. Wild ducks and the geese take theirs straight to water. I think the age 9/12 weeks may be indoor ducklings that dont dry off as quick as outdoor ones. As long as they can get their bills into a water source to preen and keep their nostrils clean, each to his own.