Duck laying on her eggs in late August??

[julieflower121]

I have a male and female Welsh Harlequin. They are about two years old. Recently I've noticed the female laying on her nest in their duck house. This is the first time she's tried to hatch babies and I'm assuming it's because we've been busy and haven't been collecting the eggs. However, it's late August...?? Is there anything I should be doing? Such as candling the eggs, or taking out ones that are not fertilized?? Any information or advice would be helpful. Thanks!

 

[PirateGirl]

Do you want her to hatch ducklings now? If you do, then decide how many you want her to hatch and take away any excess egg. Mark the ones you want her to hatch. Check the nest daily. Remove any new eggs that may have been deposited by other birds. Makes sure she has food and water close and think about any modifications you may need to make to the coop and run for when they do hatch to keep mama and babies safe from other birds and predators.

Duck eggs take 28 days to hatch. After about a week, if you candle them, you will be able to tell which ones are developing and which are not. Dispose of any that are not developing.