Limit clutch size?

[seussiii]

I have 4 ducks and 2 drakes. I get 3-4 eggs per day. I'd like to hatch out some ducklings but want to keep the clutch size low. Any strategies for that?

They all pretty much lay in the same nest. If All I want to hatch is 3-4 ducklings do I just leave 3-4 in the nest and mark them with a marker? then remove any newcomers in the nest until one of the ducks goes broody?

I've heard some ducks/breeds will wait and go broody at as much as 15 eggs.

These are Anconas btw.

Thanks!

 

[chickens really]

Your never guaranteed that they will ever go Broody...Yes date the eggs as eggs lose fertility after about 10 days...All I have ever done is let them set and all my Ducks have pushed out all the bad eggs...
I remove those and wait to see what hatches....

 

[seussiii]

If i use that method then I would likely end up with a large clutch though right?

 

[chickens really]

If i use that method then I would likely end up with a large clutch though right?

Do what works for you...

 

[junebuggena]

Your ducks will either go broody or they won't. Leaving a bunch of eggs around won't have an impact on whether or not they do. Domesticated ducks, like chickens, don't lay a specific amount and then set like wild ducks do. It's determined by hormones and there isn't much you can do about it. Collect all eggs daily. If a duck does go broody, mark the freshest eggs that you want to set and slip them under her. Check daily for any contributions and remove.

 

[chickens really]

Ducks are easier to break from brooding than a Chicken....
Don't remove all eggs...Take the oldest out..When I don't want broody Duck Hens I remove her eggs...She stops...

 

[seussiii]

Your ducks will either go broody or they won't. Leaving a bunch of eggs around won't have an impact on whether or not they do....

Perfect. This was very helpful ty.