Old fashioned Broody thread for ducks 2013 edition

[HollyDuckFarmer]

You might see movement but I never have until the day before hatch. That is usually when I hear them too. My Rouen was off the nest for 6hr the day before her hatch-- it's probly the high temps. Friday will get here. Just breathe.

 

[Miss Lydia]

and if the eggs are not good you'd see clear but if there is duckling the egg would be dark inside with only air cell showing http://wildliferehabber.com/sites/default/files/wr_duckeggchart.jpg

 

[Blondiega1]

You might see movement but I never have until the day before hatch. That is usually when I hear them too. My Rouen was off the nest for 6hr the day before her hatch-- it's probly the high temps. Friday will get here. Just breathe.

Thanks! I may be bald by friday!
Today is 88 and low humidity.
Y'all have been very reassuring. I just can't shake the bad feeling..... still got crossables crossed.

and if the eggs are not good you'd see clear but if there is duckling the egg would be dark inside with only air cell showing http://wildliferehabber.com/sites/default/files/wr_duckeggchart.jpg

Thanks! I really do appreciate all your advice!

 

[Miss Lydia]

Thanks! I may be bald by friday!
Today is 88 and low humidity.
Y'all have been very reassuring. I just can't shake the bad feeling..... still got crossables crossed.

Thanks! I really do appreciate all your advice!

Still holding out hope

I mean by tomorrow she may hear peeping let us know how she acts tomorrow since it's day 28 and internal pipping may start.

 

[Blondiega1]

Still holding out hope

I mean by tomorrow she may hear peeping let us know how she acts tomorrow since it's day 28 and internal pipping may start.

Oh you know I will!!!
I'll be watching like a hawk!!!

I've noticed she sits on them less the last two days when she's at the nest.
She moves around, goes to feed and water dish and has a little snack.
Or goes and checks out the camera.
I swear she knows I'm watching. LOL

 

[tull14]

New here, figured I'd hop on over. I have a mallard hen that I believe has gone broody. Found a shallow hole where she had laid one egg my son picked it up and cracked it... She moved her nest location to a more hidden spot in the barn. First egg was found on August 19 and last check I had 11 eggs but that was about 5 days ago. Today I went to check and she was sitting on them. I'm not sure when she started sitting on them because I don't get to check everyday due to a crazy work schedule. I'm not really sure what to expect or what to do. The egg that my son cracked was a fertilized egg, it had the bullseye. Our flock is 13 total 11 mallards and 2 pekin. So do I need to separate the momma or leave her alone? The other ducks don't seem to pay her any attention. And what do I do when and if eggs hatch? Sorry for so many questions I'm excited and nervous about this because I've never done it before!!!

 

[Miss Lydia]

New here, figured I'd hop on over. I have a mallard hen that I believe has gone broody. Found a shallow hole where she had laid one egg my son picked it up and cracked it... She moved her nest location to a more hidden spot in the barn. First egg was found on August 19 and last check I had 11 eggs but that was about 5 days ago. Today I went to check and she was sitting on them. I'm not sure when she started sitting on them because I don't get to check everyday due to a crazy work schedule. I'm not really sure what to expect or what to do. The egg that my son cracked was a fertilized egg, it had the bullseye. Our flock is 13 total 11 mallards and 2 pekin. So do I need to separate the momma or leave her alone? The other ducks don't seem to pay her any attention. And what do I do when and if eggs hatch? Sorry for so many questions I'm excited and nervous about this because I've never done it before!!!

Congrats always exciting to have that first broody. I am glad to hear she has moved her nest to the barn and hopefully it's secure because she is pardon the pun a sitting duck right now and lots of preds love duck. as for the flock I always like to give mom and ducklings about 3 weeks separate from the flock, can you use temp fencing and fence off the area she is in with food and water? What ever you use make sure ducklings can't get through it because you never know how an adult duck will act towards ducklings, just better to be safe they heartbroken. also this way everyone gets use to each other before you let mom and babies out in the general public. Hoping for a great hatch for you and keep us posted..

 

[HollyDuckFarmer]

X2

 

[tull14]

So my next question is... Do I have to put a cover over the separator? Won't the mama want to get out every now and then?

 

[HollyDuckFarmer]

Not necessarily. Think of a plywood partition or an inverted bucket-tote, with a "door" cut away. Or one of those kitty litter pan toppers would work too. Just something to shelter mom and her eggs a bit. While your flock ignores it now, they might not later on.