25 eggs in my muscovy's nest... will she EVER sit?

[Lugh]

Thanks Quackers. Both hens are 26 weeks old and, to be honest, I wouldn't be that disappointed with a lower success rate as I can't handle 25 ducklings.

One hen stayed on the nest for about an hour, the other stuck around a bit longer, actually (thought she had left the nest when the drake popped by). So you're saying that they'll sit for longer and longer periods until they are on there pretty much full-time save for a break or two?

 

[Beer can]

Even if she does sit, can one duck hatch 25-30 eggs?

I had a Khaki Campbell, Mallard cross, smaller than a Muscovy. She laid a clutch about a hundred yards from my house across the road into some woods. She would only come down every few days quaking like crazy for a quick meal, even looked both ways before crossing the road. My male Pekin Mallard cross would run to greet her. It was cute. I figured she was going to get eatin or hit in the road eventually. Then one day her and 25 little ones were swimming in our pond, 25! Campbells are not supposed to go broody or make good mothers, must have been the Mallard in her. If you ever have a broody I think they can hatch how ever many they can cover. Apparently if you have one that wants to brood, they will hide their eggs from you so they can.

 

[Lugh]

Ok! Update! One of the hens is now laying on the eggs but she isn't the one who laid the eggs. Weird! Now she's laid the eggs in the small shack I built for them which is located inside a 6'x7' lockable run. I was thinking of locking the door to the run so no raccoons can get in and attack the sitting hen, but I am worried that the laying hen will want to get in sometime during the night and won't be able to. Any recommendations?