Can I encourage a duck to be broody?

[Miss Lydia]

I keep feed in same place where all eat so mine will come off the nest and get exercise bathe and [poop] that is real important.
Once ducklings hatch since I keep mama and ducklings separated till ducklings are around 2-3 weeks old they get their feed where they stay and mama eats same as them either chick starter or all flock. and water of course

 

[chickens really]

Ok, another question... I know chickens can lose weight/condition while broody, do ducks? Should feed be changed at all for mama while she sits? They generally get an 18%-20% all flock feed (it varies depending which feed store I end up at) with oyster shells and eggshells on the side.

No, I feed all Momma Birds Starter feed during setting..Either Duck starter for Ducks or Chick starter for Chickens..Don't need oyster shell if setting..

 

[casportpony]

Ok, another question... I know chickens can lose weight/condition while broody, do ducks? Should feed be changed at all for mama while she sits? They generally get an 18%-20% all flock feed (it varies depending which feed store I end up at) with oyster shells and eggshells on the side.

Their current feed should be fine, but do watch for signs of excessive weight loss.

Keep an eye on the nest area for red roost mites. To do that, go out at night and shine a flashlight on the duck and nearby walls. If there is a bad infestation you will see mites crawling around.

 

[PirateGirl]

Perfect. Same food for everyone then all the time. Easy.

 

[PirateGirl]

Their current feed should be fine, but do watch for signs of excessive weight loss.

Keep an eye on the nest area for red roost mites. To do that, go out at night and shine a flashlight on the duck and nearby walls. If there is a bad infestation you will see mites crawling around.

Just thinking about mites makes my skin crawl and makes me want a shower!

 

[Miss Lydia]

Yep they are nasty lil things.

 

[casportpony]

Just thinking about mites makes my skin crawl and makes me want a shower!

Same here., but think about how a duck or chicken would feel sitting in an area infested with mites.

 

[PirateGirl]

I think one of my ducks may want to be broody. She has been louder than usual for days. Clearly she is upset with me every time I am near the coop/run and runs around kinda hunched up with her mouth open non-stop honking/quacking, this is not her normal behavior. I also found an egg somewhere other than the usual spot for the first time ever.

 

[PirateGirl]

So Inga's been angry for a week or longer and despite my daily egg collection, today I found her hunkered down on her nest. Perhaps it's a sign that it's meant to be.

 

[Miss Lydia]

looks pretty promising to me. lol