Duck egg collecting

[Hoppy4Eggs]

Hello. I am new to ducking. I just bought a new house in the country that came with a beautiful pond. Just needed some ducks. I have 7. 3 kc and 4 Cayuga. They are still young yet but once they are at laying age, what is a good method for egg collecting? Meaning, nests, location, times, etc?
Also, will the ducks give me a sign if any are fertile, or do I have to check? I heard cayugas will hatch thier own??? I have two girls and two drakes....

Thanks!

 

[SA Farm]

As far as egg collecting goes, if you're planning to incubate, it's the sooner the better. My ducks have their house and three of the four hens lay in the house in their nests, the fourth lays on the ground, so it's just a matter of individual preference and trial and error for what works best for you and them. I like golf balls to encourage broodiness, then just replace with your collected eggs as far as that goes.
Fertility-wise, I didn't check because I, er, witnessed the fertility process...But if you did want to check for the first egg or two, just crack it open and look on the yolk for a small white circle indicating fertility.

 

[Hoppy4Eggs]

Thanks, I wanted to see if the cayugas would incubate thier own eggs. I hear they will do this, just wondering if anyone else tried it? I also hear that with eggs for eating it is best to leave them locked in there house till late morning until they lay thier eggs. What times do ducks usually lay?

 

[SA Farm]

I don't have Cayugas, so I'm afraid I can't say how they are broody wise. My ducks always lay bright and early. I lock them up for the first couple of nights in their house, then leave them to go in on their own. Three of them do, anyway

 

[Hoppy4Eggs]

So, you let your ducks free range entirely ? I have a pond and I feel so bad locking them up and night. They easily come in to get thier peas, but am I better off just letting them live on the pond to come and go to thier house as they wish? Also we are going away for a few days, It would be easier to let them out on the pond while we are gone, or should I keep them locked up the four days ? Worried about predators

 

[SA Farm]

My ducks have a large fenced in area to wander

If you have predator problems, I would definitely lock them up. It would be even better if you had a neighbor or someone who could lock them up and let them out for you, but if not, better safe than sorry...