How should we handle this ?

[allquackedup]

Our mallards have started to lay eggs for the first time. We want to hatch out the eggs. Should we let eggs stay in pen or collect everytime we find one. Found 3 yesterday 2 today. Weather is cold 30s at night day time only 50s and expecting colder weather since its only January 28th. We live in So.Md. Surprised the ducks have started this early. Should we collect or not they are not being layed in a nest just throughout the pen. We have made up some nesting boxes in hopes they will use them. Any suggestions please.

 

[patyrdz]

I would collect them everyday, and leave one to keep them laying. Mark the egg so you can remember which one it is. I hope this helps!

 

[Cindiloohoo]

Collect daily for hatching. Make sure you turn the eggs until you set them so that the yolk doesn't adhere to the sides. I'd use a fake egg to leave behind to keep them laying as well.