Progress in Chile...Drakes, sex, separation, timing.....

[PATOS]

After all this time we now have 4 Drakes and 7 Female Ducks-
Let us assume they were all hatched around Dec 15th 2018-
Today we saw some sex behavior! Humpy humpy- must have seen the chihuahua-----

1. Do we separate them now? We want more ducks. I have seen no eggs.
2. How do we deal with eggs- maybe let them lay some first then breed? Can you eat fertilized eggs?

And I know this prob has been asked but I am asking now and need answers from my current peeps

Picture is a good shot of our town!! come visit---

 

[sourland]

If it were me I would leave no more than 2 drakes with the hens. If the drakes start 'team breeding' or over breeding the hens I would make that 1 drake with the hens. Yes you can eat fertile eggs. They will not start developing until incubated.

 

[Jpat]

Your in a good position to pick the biggest and healthiest drake and seperate the other males. That way you get the best genes !

You can decide if you want biggest or most eggs, or meat, or whatever you like

 

[Magnolia Ducks]

Thanks for the pic. Just gorgous. If you want babies from all the drakes, I would rotate them. Too many now for the number of hens.

 

[Magnolia Ducks]

Also you are probably still 2 months from eggs. First eggs tend to not be as watchable and probably should be eaten.

 

[PATOS]

Also you are probably still 2 months from eggs. First eggs tend to not be as watchable and probably should be eaten.

tell me more....

 

[Magnolia Ducks]

Usually first eggs are a little small. I meant hatchable (spell check ) so the first few eggs don't have the same hatch rate as later after the reproductive system is stabilized. Also eggs may come before your drakes are fertile. No problem to try to hatch them just don't get discouraged if you don't have a good hatch rate at first.