Broody Duck

[dustin1025]

Keep us updated!

Will do! Her sister decided to join her and sit too! They are my only Welsh Harlequins and hang out non stop. I don’t think this would be an issue?

 

[Miss Lydia]

It's awfully sweet and hopefully, it won't just watch as ducklings begin to hatch they don't accidentally smash them being it's 2 on the nest,. I have never had 2 ducks sit on a nest and hatch but I have had chickens do it and it's worked out great. 2 mamas for protection instead of 1

 

[dustin1025]

It's awfully sweet and hopefully, it won't just watch as ducklings begin to hatch they don't accidentally smash them being it's 2 on the nest,. I have never had 2 ducks sit on a nest and hatch but I have had chickens do it and it's worked out great. 2 mamas for protection instead of 1

Now I have another duck (Ancona) trying to sit on the same nest. I think I am just going to take the eggs tomorrow. I feel bad for my girls in the yard. With 3 less girls they are probably getting mated more than usual. I have a broody hen right now, and no rooster. I swapped the eggs for duck eggs yesterday( the new eggs they slipped in the nest). I placed 8 under her. Her nesting box is up off the ground. That’s my worry if they hatch.

 

[Miss Lydia]

It's contagious that's for sure.
Right before hatch I move nest box with mama chicken into the same set up I do for my ducks. Gives mama protection and gives her time to bond with her chicks, I can relate about broodies I have 3 Bantam cochin broody [I have 2 rooster one is too old and isn't fertile the other is too tiny to bred so no fertile eggs] and 2 Muscovy that are broody, I don't let them hatch because I have 3 drakes and don't need any more.
Your broody chicken must be large to sit on 8 duck eggs.

 

[dustin1025]

It's contagious that's for sure.
Right before hatch I move nest box with mama chicken into the same set up I do for my ducks. Gives mama protection and gives her time to bond with her chicks, I can relate about broodies I have 3 Bantam cochin broody [I have 2 rooster one is too old and isn't fertile the other is too tiny to bred so no fertile eggs] and 2 Muscovy that are broody, I don't let them hatch because I have 3 drakes and don't need any more.
Your broody chicken must be large to sit on 8 duck eggs.

She’s a RIR. I am surprised she is broody. I only see her get off the nest for a little bit in the evening. I didn’t know how many eggs to place. The 8 all fit under her. Thanks!

 

[Miss Lydia]

If she can cover them all that's great. Keep us updated!

 

[dustin1025]

If she can cover them all that's great. Keep us updated!

Will do! When should I candle them to see if they are actually developing? Been trying to research a little more. Looks like around 8 days I should have an idea.

 

[dustin1025]

Okay y’all. I just candled a few of the eggs under the chicken for curiosity. The first I think a dud the other two I can see veins and development! Going to wait a little before taking eggs away.

 

[Pollo Blanco]

I have a large dog crate. The weather is getting warm here. Could I make a nesting box with a top in the crate for her and the eggs? I would zip tie some wire on the sides to make sure she is safe. There would also be enough room for a bucket of water and feed.

Bravo!

 

[MerryMeridional]

I'll be following your progress, would love it if you could keep us updated! I have a broody WH, noticed her brooding on the 4th, she may have started the day before though.