Mother Duck Nipping at Ducklings

[Jennakgs]

Hi Everyone! Looking for some quick advice. We have brand new ducklings that hatched in the last couple of days. We have three mother ducks sitting on the same nest. The dominate duck (who sat on the nest most of the time) has started to come out of the nest with the first 7 ducklings. I have noticed over the last couple of days that she seems a bit aggressive with the ducklings. If they are in her way or eating/drinking water, she will randomly nip at them. She doesn't seem to be hurting them, but it does upset them, or can knock them over. She doesn't continue to do it to the same one, and seems to be doing it to most of them. She is doing her job to protect them and stands over them on the nest for sleep and warmth. And they all seem healthy and active so far. The other two mothers seem to be laying in the rest of the eggs for the most part now. But it does seem a bit aggressive and odd. Any thoughts? Should I be concerned? I am keeping an eye on them.

 

[ronott1]

I do not know if this is normal for ducks!

I am going to see if I can get this moved to the duck forum.

 

[ronott1]

@Miss Lydia Any insight with this one?

 

[Isaac 0]

Yeah, each mother duck seems to have their own little quirk, but, no, most mother ducks will not peck their babies. Personally, if it's just a little "get out of my way nip" I would just leave her be, but if it actually starts to hurt them or scare them more often, I would consider separating her from them. With these type of things, you kind of have to use your best judgement and make your decision.

 

[416bigbore]

Hello Jennakgs, Welcome to BYC. I noticed in your OP that you didn't give the breed of your mother duck. I found these two charts that compares the different breeds and broody and mothering ability. Good luck and please keep us posted.
https://www.metzerfarms.com/DuckBreedComparisonNew.cfm?affiliate=undef&CustID=25887036

https://livestockconservancy.org/index.php/heritage/internal/duck-chart

 

[Miss Lydia]

My Muscovy are excellent mamas. I have other breeds but they have never gone broody. Nipping is one thing hurting is another.

 

[Jennakgs]

Thanks everyone for responding! The information is helpful. Our ducks are Indian Runners and are notorious for being poor/fair mothers.

The mother and ducklings still seems to be doing well overall. She has 9 ducklings, and this is her first flock. We have two other hens that are semi broody and assisting with the young, but the dominant female (who primarily laid on the eggs) is the main mama. We also have a Drake who has been ok with the ducklings, but will nip a bit and chase. He hasn't hurt the ducklings, but does seem to stress everyone out a bit, so we have temporarily removed him from the group with chicken wire. He can still see them and interact, but they seem to be more relaxed with him removed until the ducklings are a little more able.

The mother still nips a bit, and will often direct the ducklings. But she doesn't seem to be harming or stressing them. There is the occasional accidental stepping on them, knocking them, but they seem resilient. Overall, she is very attentive and seems to be doing a good job. So we will continue to let her raise them and watch as they grow. Thanks again!

 

[Miss Lydia]

Amazing you have Runners that even brood, I have 8 female Runners And none have even come close. But I have Muscovy that makes up for it LOL. Love to see some pictures. I will say this for Runners they are the most accepting ducks I’ve ever had the more the merrier is their slogan!