Basic question about raising ducks

[danny duck]

Hello, I may be in the wrong place but looking for some poultry advise. I ordered some khaki campbells that will be here soon. I know this site caters to chicken owners but my question should cross any species barriers. I ordered 15 un-sexed campbells and once I can distinguish the drakes from the hens I plan to get rid of all but one or two drakes. So here is my question, I'd like to keep the drake(s) with the hens but once they reach sexual maturity will I need to be concerned about cracking open a fertilized egg? At some point I may be interested in raising ducklings but for now my only goal is eggs for consumption. I know keeping the drake in the pen can keep the flock more calm but as I said not sure if this will conflict with my current goals. And if I decide to breed, what steps will that consist of that differ from everyday gathering of eggs? Sorry if this question makes you experienced guys and gals roll your eyes in obviousness of the answer but I have no clue as to what I'm doing here.

 

[drumstick diva]

I don't know much about ducks but, with chickens, if you pick up the eggs everyday, they would not have been incubated. You wouldn't see any signs of life at that point. The duck folks could probably tell you more. Just put "duck thread," in the search box above, and it will come up for you.

 

[Isaac 0]

Welcome to BYC!

 

[Teila]

G’Day from down under danny duck

Welcome!

If your Drakes and hens are sexually active then yes, any egg you crack open will have a risk of being fertile. However, as Diva has advised, unless they are under a hen and have been incubated, I believe they should not have started to develop. So, fertile but no signs of life or development of life.

Definitely check on the Duck Forum though: https://www.backyardchickens.com/f/42/ducks

I hope you enjoy being a BYC member. There are lots of friendly and very helpful folks here so not only is it overflowing with useful information it is also a great place to make friends and have some fun. Unlike non chicken loving friends, family and colleagues, BYC’ers never tire of stories or pictures that feature our feathered and non feathered friends

 

[Pork Pie]

Hi and welcome to BYC - you have some great advice and links already so I'll just say hello!

All the best
CT

 

[N F C]

Hope you enjoy your KC's!

 

[redsoxs]

Greetings from Kansas, danny duck, and

! Great to have you in our flock! Best of luck to you and your ducks!!

 

[danny duck]

. They're here.