This is very upsetting - my favorite blue Muscovy duck has been sitting on about 20 eggs for about 3 weeks with no issue. However the last four days I started finding cracked open eggs with mostly formed ducklings inside. They had been rolled quite far from the nest. I thought maybe they had cracked by accident or had died, and maybe the mother was just getting rid of them.
Unfortunately, this morning I came upon her eagerly eating out of another egg that had come from her nest. The duckling embryo was visible inside, it has feathers and looks pretty well formed. It's so sad since this duck has been a good brooder and has had successful hatches. Not sure what to do about her. I shooed her away from the nest, and another duck who's been broody came and sat on the nest immediately. I have fenced them off so they will be isolated. So hopefully that takes care of the nest which only needs a week or two more.
Anyone with experience like this who can offer advice? I'm not sure what to do with my "bad" duck now. Will she keep trying to eat eggs? She had access to water, food, and scraps like usual. No change in her diet.
Unfortunately, this morning I came upon her eagerly eating out of another egg that had come from her nest. The duckling embryo was visible inside, it has feathers and looks pretty well formed. It's so sad since this duck has been a good brooder and has had successful hatches. Not sure what to do about her. I shooed her away from the nest, and another duck who's been broody came and sat on the nest immediately. I have fenced them off so they will be isolated. So hopefully that takes care of the nest which only needs a week or two more.
Anyone with experience like this who can offer advice? I'm not sure what to do with my "bad" duck now. Will she keep trying to eat eggs? She had access to water, food, and scraps like usual. No change in her diet.