What ducks hatch eggs

[ZoeS95423]

What kind of ducks are very good at becoming broody, and known to be good mothers? Right now my black swedish i laying eggs in her nest, so im hoping that she is going to become broody once she lays more eggs. So what breeds do you find the best at becoming broody?

 

[Amiga]

I can't say I know from experience - I have an all-girl flock.

But from what I have read here, there can be surprises. Some ducks turn out to be pretty good moms, others, not so good. Close observation seems to be key, being prepared to grab eggs or hatchlings and incubate or brood them if needed is important.

Chrissy was a runner who turned out to be a good mom, if I recall correctly (Wifezilla's duck). And I've seen some good reports about muscovies. I think some people have a broody chicken help out. One author whose work I've read has said that he keeps and breeds the broodier runner ducks and over several generations now has some broody runners that are good mothers.

I hope some more experienced breeders chime in. It seems most people who breed have electronic incubators.

 

[cracking up]

Muscovys are notoriously good at both brooding and mothering. My runners are good broodies but not good moms. My mom who is mixed runner and ruen was real good at both. I think it usually depends on the individual duck, but muscovys are better than most.

 

[1234duck]

My Golden Cascade is a good mom she hatched 7 ducklings which are now 2weeks old. She left 4 eggs in the nest, 1 wasn't fertile & the 3 eggs i incubated & hatched. But she keeps them brats of hers in line. lol ~Julie~

 

[gretchenhau]

My silkie hatch and raised 4 pekin ducks. Don't mess with her babies no matter what they are, and this year she took over 2 4 day old chicks when mom died for no reason.

 

[FenDruadin]

Check out Dave Holderread's book, of course--he has a breeds listing that shows mothering ability among other things. Very good stuff.

Off the top of my head, I second the muscovy suggestion--there is a feral one on our pond that raises several batches of babies every year without assistance and despite great odds against her. Among mallard-derivative breeds, I have read that welsh harlequins can be okay at it, as well as pekins. Of course, you can also get a broody chicken breed and use them to incubate ducklings. But personally, I'm thinking of getting a muscovy girl and letting her do my mothering each year.

 

[gofasterstripe]

Quote:
Have you hatched out any babies this year yet or are you not going to.

 

[FenDruadin]

Nope, none so far this year. We've had kind of a strange spring for some very personal reasons. And I haven't had the energy to separate the breeds, and don't want to raise mutts. So I just haven't hatched. I do want to hatch at least one batch this year though. Maybe in a few weeks...

 

[ZoeS95423]

Okay, thanks everyone.