Breeding Ducks?

[FarmerBoy24]

I have a Trio of Muscovie ducks. I have had them for about 3 to 4 months, I am not getting fertile eggs from them. I wanted to know do ducks only breed in water, because I have a tote like thing not big enough for 2 ducks to be in at one. should I get one of those kitty pools?

 

[kuntrygirl]

You do have a male in that trio right? And if so, you have only 1 male right?

 

[FarmerBoy24]

Quote:
Yup. I'm sure he's a drake because he is WAY bigger then the girls and he has his comb and wattle thing growing faster.

 

[kuntrygirl]

My ducks never breed in water. They always breed out of the water. However, I do have kiddie pools for them.

So far this year, my muscovies have hatched about 72 ducklings. They should be fine.

 

[FarmerBoy24]

Yea but why don't you think they are breeding?

 

[kuntrygirl]

You said that you have had them for 3 or 4 months. How old are they? Your original post didn't say that they weren't breeding. You mentioned that the eggs weren't fertile. Maybe your male is not interested in the females just yet?

 

[FarmerBoy24]

Your problably right. well one of the female ducks was laying but she'd broody now. The other hen isn't laying yet. The drake is the same age. so I guess I need to wait. Thanks

 

[kuntrygirl]

I'm sure they will catch on to what they are supposed to be doing "breeding". Your male may be playing hard to get.

He will come around and bring the girls some flowers and begin his courtship.

Good Luck.

 

[FarmrGirl]

Quote:
Yup. I'm sure he's a drake because he is WAY bigger then the girls and he has his comb and wattle thing growing faster.

Hey FarmerBoy... The "comb & wattle thing" is called caruncles

. Are your birds at least 5 months old? You can tell by the caruncle development - if your drake has caruncles mostly covering his face he's probably old enough. Of course, the girls may be giving him the brush off.

If you take away her eggs your broody girl will probably give up and start laying again. It'll take a bit for her to decide that she's not setting anything tho.

 

[FarmerBoy24]

I have a dozen runner duck eggs under her due to hatch next weekend.