The Broody Duck Thread for 2014

[Miss Lydia]

Was watching the 2 Runners sitting on adjacent nests, this morning, one pulling eggs into her nest as the other one got up to stretch. Still concerned they could have issues with the hatchlings when they arrive. They are 18 months old and this is their first attempt at motherhood. In the meantime, Mother Buttless is being very protective of her babies and I see movement when I candle the last egg under her. I've no idea how far along it is but hope she can last 'til it hatches. I already have people asking for ducklings from the next hatching in 3 weeks.
We have pictures of all the ducks at www.lsshaftsfarm.com on the 'meet the family' page.

You might be right on there being problems another member just had to separate 2 ducks who brooded together and once ducklings began hatching they were stepping on the ducklings so she moved them and gave each some ducklings. Might have to wait till ducklings begin hatching then separate them giving each some to hatch. Mother Buttless and kids are sure cute.

 

[ringaring]

Thank you ML. I'm already starting to divide the hatchling area into 2. Mother Buttless has 2 weeks to whip those kids into shape.

 

[Kimarie411]

My duck keeps acting like she's going broody then she changes her mind. She has FINALLY built her first nest in the place we have designated for her. Here's to hoping she sits on them when she's done laying her clutch.

 

[NoisyCricket]

This is a great thread! I haven't gotten all the way through it yet, but have a question. I have a call duck that is sitting on 5 eggs. Is it ok to leave the drake in the same pen with her and the ducklings when they first hatch, or is it safer to remove him for a while? I only have the 2 of them ATM.

 

[Miss Lydia]

Thank you ML. I'm already starting to divide the hatchling area into 2. Mother Buttless has 2 weeks to whip those kids into shape.

I hope she is up to the task lol keep us updated on progress.

 

[Miss Lydia]

My duck keeps acting like she's going broody then she changes her mind. She has FINALLY built her first nest in the place we have designated for her. Here's to hoping she sits on them when she's done laying her clutch.

It does take time, if she has started her nest and laying in it she should be getting the broody bug.

what a nice looking nest too.

 

[Miss Lydia]

This is a great thread! I haven't gotten all the way through it yet, but have a question. I have a call duck that is sitting on 5 eggs. Is it ok to leave the drake in the same pen with her and the ducklings when they first hatch, or is it safer to remove him for a while? I only have the 2 of them ATM.

You know some drakes are fine with ducklings some aren't so I like to er on the side of caution and separate mom and ducklings for 2-3 weeks where drake can see them but not touch. this gives ducklings time to grow and get strong and completely sure of themselves so when they are with dad they know to get out of his way if they need to.

Looking forward to hearing about those ducklings when they get here.

 

[lbrykowski2011]

Some ducks just don't have the broodiness in them, but having a muscovy gives you a much better chance of hatching some of theirs. a mating of a Scovy drake with a KC will produce Mules which means their off spring will be sterile. Natural birth control is how I like to look at it. And a KC drake mating with a Scovy duck will produce Hinnies pretty sure I have that right.

So maybe next spring I will save some KC eggs and if momma scovy goes broody again I will slip some under her. Do they only go broody in the spring?

 

[lbrykowski2011]

So I have mamma fenced in a little area for privacy, because the KC's wouldn't keep their beaks out of her nesting area. But that also keeps daddy out. Is he still gonna know those are his babies when their born, especially if I don't let him in with them for 3-4 wks after their born. Silly question, I know

 

[Kimarie411]

She used all the straw we had in there so we got more bedding and she's making the nest bigger. She is going to have one massive nest. I also noticed some feathers in there now too