Can and will a silkie chicken hatch a duck egg?

[chickenphile]

Was wondering I have a broody silkie that is sitting on a clutch of eggs that are due around the 31st. Can she hatch a duck egg(s) for me and how many eggs would be a good number for her to try?
I am thinking of either khaki campbells or runners my bators wont be empty until the first week in April and I am hoping she stays broody long enough for me to try.


Thanks
Chris

 

[birdlover]

I wouldn't chance it. Just wait until she goes broody next time. Once the eggs she is sitting on now hatch, she isn't going to sit on duck eggs for two more weeks (assuming you put them under her now). At least, there's a good chance she won't! Remember, duck eggs take 28 days to hatch.

 

[jvls1942]

My buff opingtons will hatch out anything I put under them.. They are about 5 pound hens and they will handle 4 goose eggs each..

I don't know how big your hen is.

for duck eggs if she can handle 6 chicken eggs, then I would give her only 4 duck eggs and see how she covers them..

some people say you have to spray the goose or duck eggs under a hen I never do.. suit yourself..