Broody duck acceptance of incubated eggs

[Celia23]

A domestic (but living wild) duck from nearby pond laid, but abandoned, several eggs on our lawn. After seeing five taken by predators, we saved three and proceeded to incubate indoors. They are now at 19 days and candling shows active embryos. At day 14, we noticed the mother duck started to brood on a nest of 8 new eggs. If we add our 3 eggs to her nest (and she accepts) they would hatch about two weeks before the new eggs. Would this cause her to abandon the 8 newer eggs? Any opinions and recommendations for easiest way to add the three older eggs or incubated ducklings to her brood?

 

[sourland]

She will leave the newer eggs if the ducklings are introduced/fostered to her.

 

[Celia23]

Thanks. I feared that might be the case. Any suggestions on how best to arrange that the three incubated ducklings could be added and accepted among the new hatchlings?

 

[chickens really]

No...Nothing you can do to relocate them other than taking the unhatched eggs and give her the ones due. I definitely freeze embryos quickly if I need to change things around.

 

[WVduckchick]

I agree with Sourland, she would mostly likely abandon the later eggs.

But you may consider, if you see her off of her current nest and could candle those eggs and check fertility, since she had been broody before, they may not even be fertile. My momma hens do not want to be mated while they are sitting or raising babies. If they would happen to not be developing, then you could give the ones you have to her, so she will at least get some babies.

 

[Miss Lydia]

Very good idea @WVduckchick