We have a broody muscovy hen which has been on her nest of 11 ordered eggs for about 2 weeks. (Our drake was killed, so we had to order fertile eggs.) Anyhow, I discovered a ginormous (53" is monstrous to me) chicken snake in the coop today. (Explains the sudden drop in the number of chicken eggs I've been getting, he was living the good life 3' or less from where they lay when I found him.) I'm wondering if he also stole the duck eggs but don't know if I should check. She comes off a couple of hours every second day or so, but she always covers the eggs with shavings and down while she's off. Would it be safe to uncover them when she comes off to see if any are broken/missing? Or is she likely to come off of the nest if we disturb it? Or should I pull her off and check tonight?
Hoping everything is ok! Please someone who is familiar with muscovies give me some advice!!
