Fertile Eggs in Winter?

[Haydog03]

So, my female Pekin (Pato) will be 8 months soon! She’s just laid two eggs. We’re not using them for meat, eggs, or anything. Our ducks are like family. Anywho, we’d like to hatch babies... successfully. It’s winter here and often reaches 20 degrees Fahrenheit. She’s laid them in a box, with bedding (Pine Shavings). She has two drakes (it’s only her, and two drakes... we’re trying to find female ducks to fix the ratio!) Is it likely they’re fertile, and if they are should we remove them? We don’t have an incubator... as we didn’t think she’d lay until spring. Any advice or “good lucks” appreciated!

Very excited she laid eggs, though!

 

[Orca5094]

Have you seen them breeding? How old are your males? It's not really breeding season right now, but it's still possible for her eggs to be fertile. So, since it's winter and not an appropriate time for hatching ducklings, I would suggest removing the eggs. You can wait until she finishes the clutch and starts to sit, though (if she sits at all; not all domestic ducks will sit, plus she is still very young and inexperienced so might not do anything with them just yet).

 

[chickens really]

Just because she is laying eggs doesn't mean she will become Broody to hatch eggs and if your temps are bellow freezing the eggs won't hatch. Wait till spring/summer.

 

[Haydog03]

I’ve seen them breeding, so fairly certain they’re fertile. Would there be any way to hatch them? It’s her first clutch, so I’d like to try.

 

[Miss Lydia]

Try an incubator but just know they will probably be living inside your home for the winter.

 

[chickens really]

I’ve seen them breeding, so fairly certain they’re fertile. Would there be any way to hatch them? It’s her first clutch, so I’d like to try.

I'd wait till spring till she has produced strong eggs and is more mature.

 

[Haydog03]

Try an incubator but just know they will probably be living inside your home for the winter.

Yay! It’s fine! Blu stayed inside for a while! I just have to find an incubator!

 

[Miss Lydia]

If she has just started to lay I'd collect eggs after she has been laying for a while so they are larger and have a better chance of hatching.

 

[Haydog03]

If she has just started to lay I'd collect eggs after she has been laying for a while so they are larger and have a better chance of hatching.

Thank you! I hope they hatch!

 

[Miss Lydia]