Questions

[Kelebek]

We just got our adult drake for our adult hen. When we brought the drake home - it was because the hen just would not quit being broody - even after I took her unfertilized eggs away. So then I gave her some chicken eggs to brood. She was happy with that, but a chicken came in and cracked open 3 of the 5 eggs. She then sat on the remaining 2 until, what would have been, day 22. She then just got up and walked off. I opened the eggs just to see if my suspision was right - and it was - the two that were not opened early were not fertilized.

Now the hen is "friends" with the drake and they are together constantly... how will I know if he "bred" her?? And is there a way to "make her" lay her eggs in a certain area when they are free ranged? Is there a way to "speed up" to make sure she lays one more clutch before fall?

Sorry pretty new to this - originally we only wanted a couple female ducks for eggs - but now we are wanting to breed for meat and eggs ..... thank you

 

[Amiga]

Hi and welcome!

We don't have a drake at this point, but I can tell you that ducks are not shy about mating. Our runners display breeding behaviors even though there is no one around who can really help them. They hop on top of each other anyway.

Drakes stand on top of the duck. Some breeds, especially the larger breeds, do better with water, like a kiddie pool (so I am told). The runners do not seem to be limited, but prefer their activity in their swim pans. Some people report that after "the act," the drake's penis will not immediately retract into his body, and you can see it. They also do what some call a victory lap around the yard after successfully mating.

I hope these are some clues that will help figure out how this relationship is going. By the way, the recommended ratio of females to males is at least three to one, as drakes can harm a single duck with too much mating.

 

[Kelebek]

Sorry - but that was funny "a victory lap" ...... LOL!

They have a swimming pool out in the yard that I dump and refill every other day. I can also do the water trough if need - be!!!

Ohhh I am so wanting baby ducks from these two!

Thanks for the info

 

[kylee2katie]

Quote:
look at my post OMG! Why? see what you have to look forward to!! Mine started out with the hen bobbing her head to the side and constantly quacking when the boys are around. She'd get in the pool and do this there also, the boys would get in the pool and start bobbing their heads up and down as if to say "I'd be happy to oblige you, mam".....then they would - climb up and stand on her back, holding onto her neck with his bill and push her head under water!! Scared me to death at first - thought i had a serial killer duck on my hands!! they really prefer to "be active" in the freshly filled pool....doesn't matter who's watching either!!

 

[katharinad]

I would wait until next year for ducklings. You have to think 4 month ahead. So if she lays now, they will be ready for winder mid December. And they may be molting at that time, leaving them without much downs to keep them warm. Something I would not risk, unless I'm living in the south. Best is to think ahead in terms of 5 months. So you should stop breeding by the end of May or June. You want them to build muscle tone, fat, and be fully feathered including downs before the start of winter. Something to consider.

 

[Kelebek]

GREAT!!!! So I am going from goat porn to duck porn ... geeze thank goodness I have no neighbors - ROTFLMAO!!!

Well - I have not seen them in the pool - but I am not home either during the day..... so i guess we will see!

 

[Kelebek]

Katherina,

So even with heat lights and a non draft area - there would still be issues?