Should I? Or is that MEAN?

[1234duck]

There is 12 duck eggs in the nest, I have seen the mother sit on them 2x's but only for a couple minutes. Do you think its mean to take the eggs & put them in the Incubator? I don't think she sits on them enough. I think she might be done laying eggs.

 

[Olive Hill]

Ducks don't have higher thinking capabilities. Humanizing their emotions is futile. IOW, no, it's not mean.

That said, depending on your location and how long they've sat out they may not be viable anymore. If they've frozen, I wouldn't hold my breath for them to hatch.

 

[duckyfromoz]

Not all ducks will go broody- and some wont until they have a very full nest of eggs. My suggestion would be to mark the eggs currently in the nest- give her another week at least to see if she will go broody- if not then take the unmarked newer eggs to incubate.

Is it the Rouen or Golden Cascades that are laying?? And have you seen your drakes mounting the ducks? With the first lot of eggs you have set not growing in the incubator- you may also have some fertility issues.

 

[1234duck]

It is the Golden Cascade, laying right now. Now that I think about it, I haven't seen the male & female together, only the male & female, Rouen Ducks. ~hummm..... So maybe the eggs aren't fertile. Thanks, Julie

 

[sandcat]

I thought that my ducks were not on the nests for long too and seemed to spend long periods of time away from the nest but i was lucky enough for both ducks to hatch 12 ducklings each.My partner talked me out of taking the eggs several times as i thought the duck wasnt looking after the eggs, I just put it down to ducks knowing what they doing, but up to you, if you really feel you need to intervene then go for it, its for the greater good, the survival of the babies, good luck I truly hope it works out for you, its so gut wrenching waiting for the ducklings