Broody duck with wet feather?

[TwistedTayy]

I have a broody welsh harlequin, it’s her first time. Due date is feb 19. She’s separated in her own area but the fencing has a “doggy door” that swings and it’s lockable so I can keep the other ducks away when they’re all locked up at night. Well she has only used it a couple times in the past week since I put it up but today she couldn’t figure out how to get back in after her swim luckily I was home and happened to be checking the ring cam. She wasn’t off the nest for more than 10 mins.

When I picked her up to put her back in her broody pen (she was not happy about that but that was the most expedient thing) she was soaked. She obviously hasn’t been swimming by often. Once every 2-3 days is what she’s been doing. Is this a problem? I’m not really sure how to encourage her to swim more without disrupting her nest. It’s very damp and cold here so I don’t want to put a pool IN her pen but I will if necessary. Even before I set up the pen she was swimming every 2-3 days or less. I put up the pen because when she would leave the drake would try to block her from going back in so I wanted her to feel secure enough to at least drink water and eat and swim IF she wants. She also has rooster booster in her water.

Is this even something to worry about?! I’ve dealt with broody chickens but this is my first broody duck.

 

[Crazy Maizie]

Do you have a photo of just her so we can see feather condition.
You don't have to encourage her to leave at all, just provide water deep enough for her to stick her head in and that should be sufficient. The waterer you have is ok for her to drink from, but I'd get a rubber bowl or bucket so that she can dip her whole head in any time she feels like it. She needs to be able to clear out eyes and nares. Even with that change, she will be able to preen better as well.

 

[TwistedTayy]

Do you have a photo of just her so we can see feather condition.
You don't have to encourage her to leave at all, just provide water deep enough for her to stick her head in and that should be sufficient. The waterer you have is ok for her to drink from, but I'd get a rubber bowl or bucket so that she can dip her whole head in any time she feels like it. She needs to be able to clear out eyes and nares. Even with that change, she will be able to preen better as well.

Ok that’s an easy fix I’ll try to get a pic today might have to take the dog house off (the bottom was removed for that purpose) but she’ll definitely live through that. I’m surprised she’s SO committed.