Broody Aussie Hen sitting on Duck eggs 21 day incubation vs. 35 day... what can I do to help her out

[KMSonthecoast]

I have 8 hens and 2 Muscovy ducks (a drake and a hen)...

The ducks live under my chicken coop at night and they all free range together in the day.

About two weeks ago my Austrolop (sp) started laying in the duck nest rather than the hen boxes.

Three days ago she would not come out... there are about 15 duck eggs. I have removed the hens eggs since I have no rooster they are not fertile. My ducks are just about one year old.

My concern is that chickens hatch in 21 days while Muscovy's take 35 days.

What if she leaves the next early can I use a heat lamp or a heating pad? I don't have an incubator.

Anyone have experience with this. Will the hen sit an extra two weeks?

My Muscovy hen just made another next (3 eggs so far) on the other side of the box (it's 4' x 4') and she gave the broody hen her old nest?

 

[howfunkyisurchicken]

She'll likely sit it out. Mine usually see it through to the end if they're committed. But, I would find an incubator you could borrow just in case. Maybe you could contact your local 4-H and see if anyone would mind being on stand by just in case she gives up.

Good luck.