I have 6 ducks - 3 of them are female (Rouen, Metzer 300 Layer and Indian Runner). Their eggs are definitely fertilized. These 3 ladies have now placed 16 of their eggs into a perfect nest but so far the only time any of them brooded (the Metzer) was last night when I forced them into the indoors part of their home (where the nest is) - otherwise they hang out in the outdoor pen most of the time. Although the Metzer was brooding while she was confined indoors, over night, they forced the door open and escaped into the outdoor run and of course stopped showing any interest in brooding. I am wondering how to encourage brooding. Should I not let them free range? Should I let the drakes only free range? Should I confine the females indoors (indoors is large, with sunlight, food and water) and make the drakes hang out in the pen? The nest has had over 12 eggs for almost a week so any instinct should be kicking in by now...... The fact that the Metzer female brooded when confined indoors shows that there is some instinct to brood but perhaps the instinct is very weak and easily distracted by drakes, free ranging and other stuff. Advice? Anyone have a similar experience? THANKS!
