Getting ducks to lay again after hatching?

[estaswick]

My muscovy just hatched 25 ducklings last week. I would like to separate them as soon as possible (thinking in about 4-6 weeks given the warm nights right now.) And get her on a 2nd clutch. Any advice on getting her ready to lay again besides taking away the ducklings? Should I be supplementing feed with something to help her get strength back? I know incubating takes a lot out of them. We hatched last year in late July and left them with the ducklings and those ducks never did lay again that year.

 

[learycow]

If you take the ducklings right away they usually start another nest in 3-4 weeks. Be sure you have plenty of feed available though as broody hens tend to get skinny and malnurished. That can delay their laying or be harmful to them if they start brooding again right away before putting some weight back on.