So I have a rouen girl who has decided to go broody. She has been setting since Sunday. I have experience with broody hens but not with broody ducks. My main question is...with the chickens I would candle after a couple days and take out the infertile ones. Can I do this with a FIRST time broody duck? Will she stop setting? I estimate her to have about 16 eggs under her as her and my khaki duck lay in the same nest. (I moved the khaki so she can't lay in their anymore) I think that's too many for her in the cold weather. Granted she made herself a BEAUTIFUL nest! So what do ya'll think I should do? Oh and if her hatch flops can I do the old switcheroo and give her ducklings during the night. I have at least 6 due on dec. 9th so I won't be at a lack for ducklings. Any advice is appreciated!
I don't know how cold it is where you are located, but I would just take her eggs and not let her hatch any right now. If you think the hatch may flop due to the cold, I would not consider a hatch at all. Ducks lose a lot of weight and their reserves go low when they set and the winter takes more out of them.
I agree............I'd take her eggs and unless you want to put them in the bator, get rid of them. Collect the eggs before she has enough that she will want to start setting again.....I'd collect them every day....And 16 eggs probably are a few too many.