Hatching Common Eider Eggs

[BYC-user-174785]

I was able to find Common Eider eggs for sale from a nearby waterfowl breeder. Out of curiosity, how hard are they to hatch and how big are their eggs in comparison to eggs like peafowl eggs? Also, how difficult are the ducklings to raise? Any information on raising Common Eiders would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks in advance,
Blue Creek Farm

 

[destinduck]

Ive never raised them personally but I know several people that have and still do You always have to remember that all wild duck eggs are extremely tough to hatch from day 1. I wouldnt even think of getting them unless you have an already sitting hen of any kind to slip them under her. Then also after at least 10 days under the sitting hen they can be finished in a incubator if you desire .Although I would still let the hen finish the job if I could. Also always always ask the breeder all you can about the birds you plan to get.

 

[BYC-user-174785]

I have cochins and teals that I use to hatch most of my ornamental duck eggs, and it works very well. I did talk to the breeder, and he said this will be their first year laying and he sees them breeding! They are a presale, so I would be getting them later on. The breeder said a muscovy duck hen would be good, so I would probably give that a try.

Also, I would love to see pictures of any of your Common Eiders!

 

[dylan duck man]

i have no experience with eyders but my best ducks on raising any wild duck babys is ring teal the will take care and raise al most anything

 

[BYC-user-174785]

Well I know the teal are great, but considering that eiders are nearly as big as muscovies, it don't think that would work out!

 

[destinduck]

You know at first I laughed pretty hard! But then I had to say I thought about ruddy ducks. You young people always make me think. And I think thats great!

 

[dylan duck man]

the only problem with that blue creek farm is that muscovies are nasty and there is a 50-50 chance the eggs would hatch i would still hatch mine would a teal a teal will sit even on a goose egg trust me i know hahahaha

 

[destinduck]

I was just thinking about how big ruddy eggs are and how many are laid by the little hen. I personally use mallards for my hatching sometimes. But a scovy would probably work too IF shes shes already sitting on some eggs, Note the key word here is having an "ALREADY" setting hen. No matter what kind it is.

 

[waterdog]

We use Call ducks for hatching a wide variety of other ducks they are excellent setters and will stay broody for several clutches.

 

[destinduck]

Sweet! Thanks for sharing Waterdog. I abuse my hen mallards next month as well