Questions about a nesting duck...

[GiantPekin4]

Ok, so I have a nesting duck and I don't know what to do about it. She built a nest in the back of the pen and there are eggs in it. She occasionally sits on it, but not as often as she used to. it's been hot lately, but still, she hasn't really been that motherly. Also, I think she's a Welsh Harelquin, but I'm not sure. She's dark brown. Any information is welcome, this is the first time one of my ducks has started nesting!

 

[MaureenD]

Hello, I do not have that issue, but I do have another nesting question...
I have a chicken coop modified for 4 ducks. It has a nesting box with two sections in it , approx 12" x 14" each. I read in one book that ducks do not use nesting boxes (like chickens), and so last night I pulled the divider out and put in pine chips so they would have some more sleeping space. Will they need the "nest" spots when they are ready to lay eggs (they are 6 weeks old now). I have 2 welsh hens and 2 chocolate runner hens. Adorable.

 

[GiantPekin4]

As far as I know, ducks build nests when they need them. But my ducks use their nesting boxes as well as pretty much anywhere.

 

[MaureenD]

Thanks! After watching them the past couple of nights, they have not used that extra bunk space after all. They are sisters for sure... do everything together. I will make it a nest box as we get closer to egg laying. They are 7 weeks on Monday. Here's the coop- I know it is designed for chickens. We modified it as much as possible for our girls and they are doing alright. Hoping to make them a better equipped shelter next winter that is more suited for ducks. The grazing pen is 5 x 10 ft and they love it. We move it every other day and the lawn seems to be handling it well.

 

[MaureenD]

I have two welsh harlequins and one actually looks likes this image of a hen from a book I got. It is called an "Abacot Ranger". Looks very very similar to WH, but feathers are more white with small brown speckles rather than large brown speckles, and the head/neck has a more solid color- still hen color, but stops at base of neck like a drake's. She was labeled a female and she still looks like a female to me.
I would guess she is the result of inbreeding of the WH somehow. At least I can tell her from her sister! (the neck color).