Author Topic: New ducklings and their confused Momma (Read 8286 times)

barleychown · « **on:** May 16, 2008, 02:12:18 PM »

A month ago, I had a chicken that REALLY wanted to hatch some eggs, and since all my chicken eggs are not fertile, but my duck eggs are, I took her eggs and replaced them with duck eggs. I wasn't sure it would work, but really didn't have anything to loose.

And then, 28 days later, I found a tiny duck head poking out from under her.

I have since moved the family to their own private pen, so none of the chicken "aunts" would pick on the new babies.

So far, Daphne has been an excellent momma.

The other hens are REALLY curious:

All in all, momma doesn't seem to mind that her babies are ducklings...until they start playing in the water bowl!

"Hey! Chickens don't play in water! What ARE you doing?"

"Oh, MY! I said, get out of there!"

Triss · « **Reply #1 on:** May 16, 2008, 04:00:17 PM »

Sarah, they are just adorable. Do the babies need their momma to survive or is it a comfort issue?

barleychown · « **Reply #2 on:** May 16, 2008, 05:42:05 PM »

The babies need a source of heat. I could raise them in the bathroom, in a big rubbermaid tub, with a heat lamp, but this way is so much easier, and more fun.

Dianna · « **Reply #3 on:** May 16, 2008, 06:20:38 PM »

What a nice looking little family, Sarah!

I am wondering if Daphne will think she needs to play in the water with the "kids" one day...

I bet the other hens think she has lost her mind!

Wonder which one will tell her that she needs her eyes checked?

barleychown · « **Reply #4 on:** May 16, 2008, 07:31:22 PM »

Can't you just imagine the conversation going on in the henhouse? You know, the term "old biddy" comes from chickens...

The original old gossips!

Triss · « **Reply #5 on:** May 16, 2008, 07:41:16 PM »

Too funny Sarah. Those lil ducklings are lucky to have such a nice momma.

patches · « **Reply #6 on:** May 18, 2008, 12:18:30 AM »

Oh, Sarah, I hope you know that you really made my day with the pictures of Daphne and her duckling babies!

Those photos are awesome and the babies are adorable!

Thanks so much for sharing them,

and I hope you will keep us updated with more pictures.

Annette · « **Reply #7 on:** May 18, 2008, 06:27:30 AM »

That is too cute Sarah!

Tonya · « **Reply #8 on:** May 18, 2008, 09:11:08 PM »

That is just too darn cute!

I love ducklings!

Bonnie · « **Reply #9 on:** May 18, 2008, 09:26:21 PM »

I love this. It is too too cute.

barleychown · « **Reply #10 on:** May 19, 2008, 02:09:22 PM »

Some new pictures from today.

They sure are growing FAST!

And, as soon as momma turns her back, all three hop into the water bowl.

I'm working on getting them use to me, so maybe soon I can take some pics without bars.

barleychown · « **Reply #11 on:** May 19, 2008, 02:38:10 PM »

YaY! I got some awesome shots!

Where did the ducklings go?

There they are!

They are soooo much fun to watch.

Dianna · « **Reply #12 on:** May 19, 2008, 02:48:08 PM »

I guess hens don't have eyes in the back of their heads like most moms do!

Does she still chase them out of the water?

Looks like Daphne is hugging the one that is hiding under her wing. So precious...

I want some ducks!

Triss · « **Reply #13 on:** May 19, 2008, 03:10:36 PM »

Oh how adorable!!!

Tina · « **Reply #14 on:** May 19, 2008, 10:33:08 PM »

I am so enjoying this. Keep on with the pics and updates, Sarah.

patches · « **Reply #15 on:** May 19, 2008, 11:37:19 PM »

Oh, Sara, I'm loving this,

keep the pictures coming.

The babies are adorable and Daphne sure looks like the typical "mother" hen!

Peggy · « **Reply #16 on:** May 20, 2008, 12:54:39 AM »

Those pics are sooo cute!!! We've fenced in our garden area and are in the market for ducks to live there now....

I can't wait to see more pics!!

Hugs, Peg

barleychown · « **Reply #17 on:** May 21, 2008, 07:06:06 PM »

I have a new Momma with two babies! Pictures to follow when Momma is feeling more social...

Dianna · « **Reply #18 on:** May 21, 2008, 09:21:31 PM »

Does this new mom have ducklings or chicks?

barleychown · « **Reply #19 on:** May 21, 2008, 09:23:39 PM »

Why, ducklings of course! Can't have normal around here.

Dianna · « **Reply #20 on:** May 21, 2008, 09:28:00 PM »

Your chickens are going to have to see a headshrinker.

I wonder what kinds of anxiety disorders they are going to have trying to keep the ducklings out of water....

barleychown · « **Reply #21 on:** May 21, 2008, 09:57:41 PM »

Major ones. But, with two more momma's expecting, they will have enough members for their own support group.

One of today's hatching eggs needed a bit of help...

I let Momma see once it was out of the egg, before i took it to doctor it a bit...

Then it hung out under a heat lamp, on a heat pad for a while, while it's cord healed shut...

Then back to Momma...

Bonnie · « **Reply #22 on:** May 21, 2008, 10:08:59 PM »

Wow! Those pictures are great. They are so good that I almost feel like a mid wife.

barleychown · « **Reply #23 on:** May 21, 2008, 10:14:46 PM »

Thanks, Bonnie. You can be a duckie aunt.

Ducklings do some pretty extreme yoga in the shell, huh?

Dianna · « **Reply #24 on:** May 21, 2008, 10:43:32 PM »

My goodness, Sarah.

Those are some fantastic pictures!

Sure looked like a scrawny little thing until it got dry, didn't it?

How did it feel to hold a life in the palm of your hands?

I know that that particular one is one that you will keep for sure. Right?

News:

Author Topic: New ducklings and their confused Momma (Read 8286 times)