I think I killed my fertile duck eggs! First time hatching!

[Countrygirl201]

I really think I messed up. I have a duck that kept laying eggs in this one corner in my chicken coop. I also have 2 male ducks that frequently mate with my female ducks. I decided to leave these eggs in the chicken coop to see what would happen. One of my RIR's started becoming broody and sat on them. 10/11 are definitely fertile. I didn't realize I had to turn my eggs, yes I should have researched. I candled them and the fertile part is on one side and isn't moving to the other side. I turned them today for overnight to see if there is any changes. The eggs have been there at least 2 weeks. I feel terrible! Please tell me if I killed them or if I should still have hope.

 

[mccmeadows]

you have to turn the eggs if they’re in an incubator - a broody hen does all that work for you

 

[RosieG49]

I believe when they sit on them they turn the eggs themselves.

 

[Countrygirl201]

you have to turn the eggs if they’re in an incubator - a broody hen does all that work for you

Thank you so much! I've been freaking out all day. I was wondering if they did but wasn't sure. Thank you for the fast reply.

 

[Countrygirl201]

I believe when they sit on them they turn the eggs themselves.

Thanks! Hopefully my hen does! This is my first time trying this and she's definitely broody so I hope that mother instinct is working.

 

[Countrygirl201]

Another question if you can help me. Should I worry my hen will reject the ducklings when they hatch? She didn't like a tiny chick I put my her.

 

[SilverBirds]

Another question if you can help me. Should I worry my hen will reject the ducklings when they hatch? She didn't like a tiny chick I put my her.

Was she broody when you gave her the chick?

Most hens will accept chicks. She'll feed them, keep them warm, and protect them. Hopefully your hatch goes well!

 

[William Mellor15]

Another question if you can help me. Should I worry my hen will reject the ducklings when they hatch? She didn't like a tiny chick I put my her.

I really think I messed up. I have a duck that kept laying eggs in this one corner in my chicken coop. I also have 2 male ducks that frequently mate with my female ducks. I decided to leave these eggs in the chicken coop to see what would happen. One of my RIR's started becoming broody and sat on them. 10/11 are definitely fertile. I didn't realize I had to turn my eggs, yes I should have researched. I candled them and the fertile part is on one side and isn't moving to the other side. I turned them today for overnight to see if there is any changes. The eggs have been there at least 2 weeks. I feel terrible! Please tell me if I killed them or if I should still have hope.

Yeah if she's a good hen she'll do all the turning and caring for the eggs.

From what I've experienced and heard, chickens can successfully raise ducklings and often can't tell them apart from their own chicks

 

[Countrygirl201]

Was she broody when you gave her the chick?

Most hens will accept chicks. She'll feed them, keep them warm, and protect them. Hopefully your hatch goes well!

Yes, she was sitting on the nest when I presented the chick. She pecked it and I quickly removed the chick. I also tried putting it under her but didn't work. Thanks! I hope it does too!

 

[Countrygirl201]

Yeah if she's a good hen she'll do all the turning and caring for the eggs.

From what I've experienced and heard, chickens can successfully raise ducklings and often can't tell them apart from their own chicks

Thank you! I sure hope so