Forgot to add, we are turning over our laying flock this year with all new chicks arriving in Feb. Would like to get the ducklings by March/April so they all grow up acclimated to each other. The ducks will have a separate duck-house. Thinking of getting four runners - a drake and three ducks and a pair of Orps - or will that cause squabbles and/or interbreeding? Thanks again!

If she is still sitting on some, I would put the others back at night while she's "asleep". Be prepared, she may not keep them, but if you keep them in the incubator that will mean brooding baby ducks. They are TOO cute and very messy, and we are going into cooler weather when babies are better off with the mother. Don't wait, she may not take the babies, but she should take the eggs.

I have raised several wood ducks. They are the most wonderful little birds. I loved mine. One died. It got sick I guess, and one was killed by a hawk. It was so sad. Since then I have raised two more. They are a male and female. They have not laid eggs though. Not sure they will in captivity but maybe next spring I will find out differently. They are not like normal ducks though they are very friendly and attach to their human friends(-: If your duck is able to fly off she might call a mate. They have a beautiful call.

chisue I wouldn't say all babies look like their fathers. I think it depends. All three of mine are boys and I've always found it strange the oldest really looked like his father when born but is pretty much a male version of me and has been since he was quite young. The middle reminded me of my grandfather when born and is pretty much my hubby's mini me (though not so mini anymore) and the youngest looked so much like me as a baby and is a mix of the two of us. I would also say that I am a firm believer that not all human babies are created cute. They are adorable, yes, but lets all be truthful, some babies are just ugly. I realize that's a completely superficial statement by the way. sjerin Poop was an on-going discussion because they kept the ducklings in the classroom for a week and a half. The kids were amazed by how much ducks poop and it's true, they do poop a lot. This teacher has used the ducks for all sort of curriculum units including math. The questions are part of the curriculum for the kindergarten where they have to come up with unique ideas on their own. I don't believe it was due to a discussion right before, but due to the fact that I think kids find poop utterly fascinating. LOL