Broody duck...should I give her a duckling?

[Welsh Ducky]

I have a broody khaki Campbell duck. She’s been sitting on infertile eggs, and I keep taking them away, but she lays more a goes broody again, and she’s protective of her nest. I would like her to raise a duckling, but I would prefer not to give her a fertile hatching egg because of the chance it won’t hatch and it takes so long...is it possible to buy a day old duckling and stick it under her at night and she’d think it was hers?
Thanks.

 

[Miss Lydia]

Probably not they aren’t like a chicken that’s broody they can pretty easy put chicks under at night doesn’t work the same with ducks. Best is to give her fertile eggs and let her hatch them.

 

[Welsh Ducky]

Probably not they aren’t like a chicken that’s broody they can pretty easy put chicks under at night doesn’t work the same with ducks. Best is to give her fertile eggs and let her hatch them.

Hmm...I see...they problem is, I can only have one more duck, so I’m thinking if I only put one under her, it may not hatch...if I give muiltipul, I’ll have a bunch of duckling, whom I don’t have time to find homes for..
Where would I go to get fertile eggs?
Is there any way to bond her to a duckling?

 

[chickens really]

Hmm...I see...they problem is, I can only have one more duck, so I’m thinking if I only put one under her, it may not hatch...if I give muiltipul, I’ll have a bunch of duckling, whom I don’t have time to find homes for..
Where would I go to get fertile eggs?
Is there any way to bond her to a duckling?

You can try it if you can find a day old Duckling although be prepared for having to raise it yourself. Getting two day old Ducklings would be best.

 

[Welsh Ducky]

You can try it if you can find a day old Duckling although be prepared for having to raise it yourself. Getting two day old Ducklings would be best.

Why do you suggest to get two? And how would I try to bond them with the duck? As I had said, I could only get one more duck, so that’s why I ask.
Thanks.

 

[chickens really]

Why do you suggest to get two? And how would I try to bond them with the duck? As I had said, I could only get one more duck, so that’s why I ask.
Thanks.

Well if it doesn't work out then the Baby won't be alone. Ducklings need other Ducklings because they get very lonely. Have you tried destroying her nest and blocking it off?

 

[Miss Lydia]

Quite a few raise single ducklings is it the best answer no but since you want to let her try to raise it all you can do is give it a try. If she accepts the duckling great if not then you raise it and give them visits so when the duckling is old enough to be outside with your female they will know each other. It may work. Other option is getting rid of the nest and eggs like cr mentioned. Doesn't always work either but that is an option

 

[Welsh Ducky]

Well if it doesn't work out then the Baby won't be alone. Ducklings need other Ducklings because they get very lonely. Have you tried destroying her nest and blocking it off?

Ok...no I haven’t, as I wouldn’t mind her raising a duckling I didn’t want her to not be broody...

 

[Welsh Ducky]

Quite a few raise single ducklings is it the best answer no but since you want to let her try to raise it all you can do is give it a try. If she accepts the duckling great if not then you raise it and give them visits so when the duckling is old enough to be outside with your female they will know each other. It may work. Other option is getting rid of the nest and eggs like cr mentioned. Doesn't always work either but that is an option

Ok thanks. So how would I try to bond her with the duckling?
Also, any duck breeds you’d recommend besides khaki Campbell or a Pekin?

 

[Miss Lydia]

Then give it a go. I’d try giving it to her in the evening after dark just like we do for chickens although I have also given my broody hens chicks during the day they don’t care the more the merrier. But put your hand completely over the duckling so she doesn’t see it place under her after removing all the eggs. You can have a flash light on just don’t have it facing mama. Stand by for a while to make sure she settles down just in case she attacks.