Beginner question... will they proliferate on their own?

[Meddipa]

Hello, I've been raising chickens for about a year now, and we are thinking of adding a small flock of ducks too! I have a lot of research to do before jumping in, but one question I can't seem to find the answer to on my own, is will they hatch and raise babies on their own without my involvement? I was thinking of starting a small flock of maybe 3-4 females and 1 male of a dual purpose breed. I will collect eggs, but it's mostly a hobby so if I miss a few no big deal. This may be a silly beginner question, but if left to their own devices, will I quickly end up with mamas raising a bunch of ducklings, or will I need to collect fertile eggs and incubate them myself if I want to expand the flock?

 

[sylviethecochin]

It really depends on what breed you get and what stock you get them from. If you want broodies, I would avoid Pekin and Runner females.

 

[Duckworth]

Welsh harlequins are a good dual purpose duck and are reputed to be good mothers. I have an all female flock of Welsh and have been happy with egg production and temperament. They sometimes try to go broody, but without fertilized eggs and with me picking them up daily, that usually doesn’t last too long. But I can see the desire in them to brood. We haven’t harvested any for meat birds, but they are supposed to be a good midsized meat duck.

 

[slippednfell]

As I have just started with ducks this year, I think your question was an excellent one.