How do I know my duck eggs are fertile?

[SoothingSunlight]

Hello everyone,

I've had chickens for a while now, and just got 3 ducks, 1 male 2 female. They are big, white, with a red face, I believe muscovy ducks. My worry is, I've had them for about 2 months now and I've never seen the male mating. With my roosters I see it every day. I keep them to hatch the eggs, it'd be a real shame to waste them if they are not even fertile.

 

[DobieLover]

Hello everyone,

I've had chickens for a while now, and just got 3 ducks, 1 male 2 female. They are big, white, with a red face, I believe muscovy ducks. My worry is, I've had them for about 2 months now and I've never seen the male mating. With my roosters I see it every day. I keep them to hatch the eggs, it'd be a real shame to waste them if they are not even fertile.

Crack some open and examine the yolk for a blastoderm vs a blastodisc.

 

[cmobley]

Do you have them a small pool to get in ducks loooooove mating in water. Thats the only place mine would do it.

 

[SoothingSunlight]

Do you have them a small pool to get i

Crack some open and examine the yolk for a blastoderm vs a blastodisc.
View attachment 2597433

How long after laying should I crack them open? They started laying 3 days ago, would it be visible at this point?

 

[SoothingSunlight]

Do you have them a small pool to get in ducks loooooove mating in water. Thats the only place mine would do it.

I do not have one yet unfortunately I got the ducks for free from a friend who said they don't need one.

 

[DobieLover]

How long after laying should I crack them open? They started laying 3 days ago, would it be visible at this point?

You can crack one open as soon as it comes out of the duck. Either it's fertile or not.

 

[DobieLover]

I do not have one yet unfortunately I got the ducks for free from a friend who said they don't need one.

They should have one.

 

[RosemaryDuck]

I do not have one yet unfortunately I got the ducks for free from a friend who said they don't need one.

Ducks, no matter the type need a pool, or at least a deep bucket. Not just for playing/mating but for health reasons too. They need to be able to clear their nares (put their entire bill) into the water every so often.

 

[Everose]

In bigger ducks like the pekin vent feathers may need to be trimmed to allow for easier mating and better fertility.

 

[SoothingSunlight]

Ducks, no matter the type need a pool, or at least a deep bucket. Not just for playing/mating but for health reasons too. They need to be able to clear their nares (put their entire bill) into the water every so often.

They do have a plastic bathtub and a large basin, but I've never seen them get in it or even drink from it.