Cayuga ducklings ok mixed with adult ducks

[The Duck Runner]

Morning All,
Nubbie here with a question...please be kind!..
I've got all three of my Cayuga females sitting on eggs in one house (a mix of their own and a few Runner eggs), the house and run is also used by the Runner female, a male Runner and male Cayuga.
My question is simply; Once hatched, is it safe for the ducklings to mix with each other and the males/females eg; do they all look after each others like a crèche...or should I split them up? My run has pond access so would be nice to let the mamas access that if I can, I've put in a temporary step to stop the ducklings getting in for now, they have their own 1/2" deep 'paddling pool'.

...and would this go the same for my three hens and a rooster?

Thanks for any advice on this,
TDR

 

[dorsetduckowner]

Hi I would separate them.
Zo
x

 

[The Duck Runner]

Cheers Zo, would you move the three mamas with their broods into three separate pens or just move all three into one pen away from the males? I'm guessing that I might turn up one morning to see 20 ducklings running around & all mixed up.
TDR

 

[dorsetduckowner]

Definitely separate the boys, see how the girls get on, they may be ok, they may not. If they get stressed they can trample babies so it really depends on their individual relationships. Have separate pens ready if needs be, you should know immediately!

 

[The Duck Runner]

Thanks again Zo, I've got mesh panels that I can split the pen into several areas. How old before they can be introduced to the males?
TDR

 

[dorsetduckowner]

Probably wait until they are fully feathered and the boys hormones (testicles) have calmed down. pictures of babies always welcome!

 

[The Duck Runner]

Yep, will definitely post pictures...and we might even have one or two Runner/Cayuga crosses
TDR

 

[dorsetduckowner]

Cute!!!

 

[The Duck Runner]

Morning All,
I was away for a week and they decided to hatch! Sadly only one Cayuga duckling survived---I found a gap under the house (my bad!) so possible rat issue as no bodies were anywhere to be seen :-( the gap has now been dealt with so hope to have learned for next time!!! Duckling now three weeks old and very cute, doing great
The Marans have been doing well and we now have nine fluffballs running around.
Cheers,
TDR

 

[dorsetduckowner]

very sweet!!!