I bought some Australian Spotted ducks from Holderreads last spring. I wanted to try to hatch some eggs this spring with a broody hen. I read Holderreads book on raising ducks and have read several threads here, however, I just can't quite get me arms around the process. Here is what I am envisioning:
1. Ducks bread around March/April.
2. Hen will lay a "clutch" 8 or 9 eggs, then stop and sit on them till hatched (she is broody right now but I am taking the eggs).
3. While she is on the nest I will section her off from the others with her own water and food.
4. 28 days or so later they should begin hatching?
5. I should remove hatched ducks and hen (?) and put them in a brooding pen.
6. Raise normally from there.
Can anyone please fill in the "holes" here and tell me what I might be missing? I appreciate your help!
1. Ducks bread around March/April.
2. Hen will lay a "clutch" 8 or 9 eggs, then stop and sit on them till hatched (she is broody right now but I am taking the eggs).
3. While she is on the nest I will section her off from the others with her own water and food.
4. 28 days or so later they should begin hatching?
5. I should remove hatched ducks and hen (?) and put them in a brooding pen.
6. Raise normally from there.
Can anyone please fill in the "holes" here and tell me what I might be missing? I appreciate your help!
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