Welsh Harlequins

[southerlynn]

Hello all!

I have a few questions about my Welsh Harlequins. I have two females (Dotty and Dorsey) and one male. (Drake) They're now 5 months old. They have a lovely "coop" my husband built for them. They are now laying eggs, four so far,but doing so outside of the coop, literally on my backdoor step. I have been putting them inside one of the two nesting boxes, because I don't want to step on the eggs. All three are in and out of the coop, but nobody is sitting on the eggs. I have been told that they will sit on them once there is a clutch. I have read many articles about them, but I would like to know your personal experiences.

So, my questions are.....

1. Is it true they will lay eggs around the yard?

2. When will they lay on the eggs?

3. How long before they hatch?

4. Are they good mothers?

5. Will the drake bother the babies?


Thank you in advance for any advice.

 

[Kevin565]

Hello all!

I have a few questions about my Welsh Harlequins. I have two females (Dotty and Dorsey) and one male. (Drake) They're now 5 months old. They have a lovely "coop" my husband built for them. They are now laying eggs, four so far,but doing so outside of the coop, literally on my backdoor step. I have been putting them inside one of the two nesting boxes, because I don't want to step on the eggs. All three are in and out of the coop, but nobody is sitting on the eggs. I have been told that they will sit on them once there is a clutch. I have read many articles about them, but I would like to know your personal experiences.

So, my questions are.....

1. Is it true they will lay eggs around the yard?

Yes

2. When will they lay on the eggs?

Depends but some sit as early as 6 eggs
3. How long before they hatch?

28 Days
4. Are they good mothers?

Yes

5. Will the drake bother the babies?
Yes he will most likely kill them. They need to be separated from the rest of the flock.

Thank you in advance for any advice.

 

[sumi]

Hello and welcome to BYC

I'm glad Kevin answered your Q's. I know nothing about ducks!

 

[southerlynn]

Thanks for the help. I am really excited about my "babies" growing up. I also have Silkies. We have a house full of animals, and they are all our family.

Thanks for the welcome guys!

 

[weimarmama]

&

from Alabama. Glad you joined us.

 

[kidcody]

from washington state glad you joined us!

 

[1muttsfan]

Hi and welcome to BYC from northern Michigan

 

[4-H chicken mom]

Hi and from Ohio. So glad to have you aboard.

 

[redsoxs]

Greetings from Kansas and

!