Muscovy Ducks

[josh]

I have one that is setting on 10 or 11 eggs. I have 2 more that are laying. They had 9 and 11 eggs in the nest the last time I looked. They have not started setting. How long should I wait for them to go broody? Should I put them in the bator?

 

[Bleenie]

If they are laying in the same spot, someone will probably go broody on them soon, if you don't have a broody on them by 15-20 eggs and you can't wait any longer then you can move them to the incubator. Sometimes they just want to sit on a lot of eggs.

Just watch for little bits of down feathers around the eggs/nest, they will start to pull down when they're getting ready to brood. they will also get more vocal and demanding at feeding time. Mine peep at me if they see me outside because they know they'll get treats for being good broody mommas.

 

[josh]

One nest is starting to get down feathers in it. So maybe she is getting ready to go broody

 

[seymojo536]

Down in the nest is a good sign. I know my girls won't sit until they have at least 20 eggs in the pile.

 

[josh]

OK Thanks. So do duck eggs last longer than chicken eggs? I know everyone says try to set chicken eggs by 7 days.

 

[josh]

Quote:
How good of a hatch do yours usually have?

 

[seymojo536]

Quote:
How good of a hatch do yours usually have?

Last two were 18 and 20 babies. Maybe 2 or 3 eggs left in each nest. So, right around 90% hatched.

Wanted to add, mine will cover the eggs if they aren't ready to set. I do believe it helps the eggs stay viable.

 

[Muscovies]

My scovies hatch all their eggs and are great mothers very protective of the babies