Hi I have a few muscovy ducks for eggs and meat and I have a hen that laied around 20 eggs,she quited laying for a few days but she isnt broody yet ! What can I do ? I dont want my eggs getting too old for incubation.I know I should leave the eggs where they were layied but during the night is too cold for them there so I took them inside and kept them in woodshavings to stop their albuminium from evaporating.so how can I determine her becoming broody as soon as posibile ?
Well usually they lay up to what they think they'd like to sit on and then start plucking feathers. I wouldn't have removed them, sorry. It was cold here too.. i ended up with 4 ducklings hatch this week due to a broody Muscovy's determination. Now, some could just be playing at it too, i get some well tire kickers here as well, honestly, it's still pretty early.
She is not going to go broody if the eggs are taken. If it's too cold, I'd keep taking eggs until your weather warms and then leave them. Believe me, Going Quackers and I have both had to deal with broodies and babies in winter temps. It is quite stressful and very frustrating. I don't know that I'll allow a broody until at least Feb again. Eggs can stay in the nest unless your temps are dipping below freezing. Take some eggs inside, store them correctly. Leave some in the nest and mark them with a sharpie. If she decides to go broody, remove the marked eggs and replace them with the eggs you kept inside. If it is her first time, I'd recommend 10-15 eggs especially if your temps are still cool at night.
