Callie Ducks
In the Brooder
- Mar 16, 2018
- 3
- 2
- 19
Hi there
I took on two miniature silver apple yard ducks from a local animal shelter last year - one duck and one drake - and am considering letting her sit on some eggs.
I've been doing lots of research but most of the information I can find about hatching eggs is about using an incubator and I've found much less info about letting her hatch naturally which is much my preferred method - I'm not fussed about quantity, I'd just like me and the ducks to experience the natural way.
Jerry, our drake is definitely getting protective, and Margo is definitely making nesting signs so in the next few weeks I think I'll give it a try.
I've got a separate enclosure she can go in with any ducklings once hatched and I also have chickens including a few bantams so if Margo doesn't want to sit I can always recruit a broody bantam!
One thing I haven't quite figured out from my reading is whether I let Margo make her nest, start laying and let her choose to sit when she's got enough eggs, or do I collect the eggs and then create a nest for her when I've collected enough?
I know to make sure the ducklings don't have access to water that they could drown in but it would be good to know what people feed their ducklings to ensure healthy growth.
Any advice for a first time natural duck hatcher would be much appreciated!
I took on two miniature silver apple yard ducks from a local animal shelter last year - one duck and one drake - and am considering letting her sit on some eggs.
I've been doing lots of research but most of the information I can find about hatching eggs is about using an incubator and I've found much less info about letting her hatch naturally which is much my preferred method - I'm not fussed about quantity, I'd just like me and the ducks to experience the natural way.
Jerry, our drake is definitely getting protective, and Margo is definitely making nesting signs so in the next few weeks I think I'll give it a try.
I've got a separate enclosure she can go in with any ducklings once hatched and I also have chickens including a few bantams so if Margo doesn't want to sit I can always recruit a broody bantam!
One thing I haven't quite figured out from my reading is whether I let Margo make her nest, start laying and let her choose to sit when she's got enough eggs, or do I collect the eggs and then create a nest for her when I've collected enough?
I know to make sure the ducklings don't have access to water that they could drown in but it would be good to know what people feed their ducklings to ensure healthy growth.
Any advice for a first time natural duck hatcher would be much appreciated!