The buff orpington hen who is raising 6 Indian runner and 3 call ducks is still enjoying being a Mum to what has become a very wet and noisy rabble. She walks around clucking protectively and encouragely when they are out in the poultry enclosure and still goes to bed with them at night although I have observed that they are no longer sleeping under her, but all a safe distance apart now – amazing the maternal instincts of the buff orpingtons who obviously do not mind what eggs they hatch (last year we tried turkey eggs under them and they hatched 2 out of the 4)
Also this morning we noticed that a call duck had hatched 2 ducklings – the first time ever that we have ever had one go broody and successfully hatch eggs, which is why we always put duck eggs under the buff orpingtons rather than expect the ducks to consider raising their own – too busy splashing in water normally!
