Keeping nest safe & hatching questions

[Samigirl]

Good morning, we are new to the whole duck thing, we have 3 females & 1 male, over the last 6 months they have had many nest and sat alot but it seems at about 2/3 weeks a preadtor gets all the eggs at once, it's so sad. We've set live traps, tried deterent, and nothing works. 2 of them have a nest now, by that I mean 2 of them are sharing the same nest, 1 of them is always on it, any ideas on how to keep this nest safe, and is there any way I can tell how far along it is until hatching time.
Thanks

 

[cyriuskee]

You could try to build a wire & wood pen and carefully place it over the hen that doesn't stop sitting. Alot of fowl will refuse to move off their nests even when you drive a mower next to it! This leave them and their eggs exceptionally vulnerable.

 

[chickens really]

You can try to move the nest and eggs into a building and see if she will continue to set...You really have nothing to lose if predators will get them anyways...

 

[cyriuskee]

You can try to move the nest and eggs into a building and see if she will continue to set...You really have nothing to lose if predators will get them anyways...

Have you successfully moved a nest and the hen continue to set?

 

[chickens really]

Have you successfully moved a nest and the hen continue to set?

Yes.....It depends how far along in her Broodiness and how committed she is to her eggs...I do it quickly and then leave her alone to settle...

 

[Miss Lydia]

I have Muscovy's, once my females commit They will stay on the nest when I move them I do keep them closed inside for a few days with food and water before I open the door, Then of course for a few days after that they will go back to where the original nest was but I stay outside while they are out so I can put them back where the nest is now. They pick it up pretty quick.

It's amazing if a predator is getting the eggs you haven't lost your ducks who are sitting on them. you know it's just a matter of time.

When I move a broody I place her in a small dog crate pick up as much of the nesting material as I can place it in a box put eggs on top and carry both to where I want her to sit. Put her nest there put broody in and close the door and leave her alone for a few days. It has worked for me is all I can say. No way I could ever leave one of my ducks outside to brood she would be dead in 1 night.