How Soon After Adding a Drake are Eggs Fertile?

[Mylied]

I'm getting a drake this week. I have 3 hens already. How long after I add him should I wait to incubate eggs? Thanks! If it matters drake will be a muscovy and hens are pekin that are currently all laying.

 

[FluffTheDuck]

I'm also wondering this.

 

[2 many chickens]

About 10-14 days for fertile eggs.

Also, I believe a muscovy male breeding a pekin female will breed 'mules' so you won't be able to hatch their offsprings eggs as the ducks they produce will be sterile and cannot produce their own offspring.

 

[CindyinSD]

From what I’ve read, @2 many chickens is right about the (usually) infertile offspring, however, the “mules” grow rapidly and are sometimes bred on purpose for use as meat birds.

 

[WannaBeHillBilly]

Just digged a bit in the internet, so there are mules and hinnies:
https://www.mypetchicken.com/backyard-chickens/chicken-help/What-are-mule-ducks-H460.aspx
https://www.feathersite.com/Poultry/Ducks/Musc/Mule.html
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mulard

 

[Mylied]

We were going to use offspring for meat. That's interesting about them being infertile. Thanks!

 

[Mylied]

Hmmm, didn't realize they'd have a harder time breeding too. I thought a duck was a duck. Lol. Guess we shall see what we get.

 

[Mylied]

Here's my guy. Girls don't know what to think of him.

 

[Miss Lydia]

He's gorgeous and looks young?

 

[Mylied]

He's gorgeous and looks young?

Born in 2019, not sure of the month. How can you tell?