The Poultry Keeper

Deb_Moderator · Joined: 13 Apr 2005 Posts: 3661

Well, momma hen and duckies are doing fine. I am struggling with the fact of do I take her away from them so that they know that they are ducks and not chooks.

The duckies are about 4-5 times their hatch size already. It is actually sort of comical to see a duckling's head peeking out from underneath the buff orps body. She (momma) has gotten use to the idea of them going for their swims. She still stands next to the teeny weeny pool and clucks at them and looks at them funny, but it is no longer the big ruckus that it used to be.

There was one (I am hoping) viable egg under her at the time that she stopped sitting. Luckly my (I assume she is) Marsh Daisy was broody, so I stuck it under her. Now the wait and see what happens, as I am not quite sure when she aquired that egg. (Momma hen let other's come in and make deposits throughout the day. After a while, I just gave up trying to figure out what was what and what belonged and what didn't.)

All is well on the baby front here so far. When do you think I can introduce the ducklings to the rest of the ducks. I have never had to introduce new ducks before.

Aussie Chick · Posted: Sat Oct 08, 2005 9:48 am Post subject:

I have the visions of the hen standing next to the pond clucking madly at the duckies swimming. How cute.

NannyP · Posted: Sat Oct 08, 2005 4:56 pm Post subject:

How confusing for her, but it makes a great picture Wink

Deb_Moderator · Joined: 13 Apr 2005 Posts: 3661

Well, the last egg has hatched. Harriet is a very proud momma indeed. It is a cute litte yellow chick. Very Happy

skye girl · Joined: 27 Aug 2005 Posts: 638 Location: Isle of skye

They are all lovely, bet mum is proud as punch, great pics how did you get the nerve to put the duckling and kittens on the same table at the same time ??? Shocked

but made the best pics Very Happy

Skye girl

Deb_Moderator · Joined: 13 Apr 2005 Posts: 3661

Well, the kittens are barely old enough to walk and the ducklings can move fast, so I figured it would be safe enough. Wink

debcat · Posted: Sat Oct 08, 2005 7:05 pm Post subject:

Don't forget to bring the camera home from work on monday Very Happy

Deb_Moderator · Joined: 13 Apr 2005 Posts: 3661

There won't be any need for the camera. Mum was not watching her baby very good apparently, as another chook attacked and killed it. Crying or Very sad

Gave it a proper burial.

debcat · Posted: Mon Oct 10, 2005 3:41 pm Post subject:

Really sorry Deb Crying or Very sad

NannyP · Posted: Mon Oct 10, 2005 6:13 pm Post subject:

Oh dear, poor chicken Sad

Poor Deb

Heather · Posted: Mon Oct 10, 2005 6:20 pm Post subject:

sorry to hear that Deb

CP · Posted: Mon Oct 10, 2005 8:16 pm Post subject:

Oh that's so sad Deb - really sorry for you. Crying or Very sad