Yesterday, for Easter, I was given 2 indian runner ducklings as a gift. One is 2wks old, one is 3wks old (ish!). Now, in 10 days time, my incubator tells me I will have 2 ducklings hatch. Two weeks after that, my broody hen will (hopefully!) successfully hatch 4 duck eggs.
So, the plan is: when the incubator ducklings hatch, to put them in the brooder box with the Indian runner ducklings; when the broody hen hatches the ducklings and if all doesn't go well, then to also add those ducklings to the brooder box.
Is this viable? I know from the pond at University that the ducklings all mess around happily together and their mothers let them get on with it - even though they are differing ages. So, if that is how nature does it, I'm thinking (hoping!) it will work in my artificial setting?
Any and all advice gratefully received
TIA
So, the plan is: when the incubator ducklings hatch, to put them in the brooder box with the Indian runner ducklings; when the broody hen hatches the ducklings and if all doesn't go well, then to also add those ducklings to the brooder box.
Is this viable? I know from the pond at University that the ducklings all mess around happily together and their mothers let them get on with it - even though they are differing ages. So, if that is how nature does it, I'm thinking (hoping!) it will work in my artificial setting?
Any and all advice gratefully received
