Will my ducks ever sit on their nests?

[jakal92]

I'm not new to raising birds, but I am new to breeding my own. It seems as though most of my other poultry are or have been broody (geese, turkey, 1 of 4 bantam chicken) I assume the guineas will start later with warmer weather, I live in nw Minnesota.

But none of my 25+ ducks has sat on a nest for more than a couple days. Is it too early yet or is it because they are all about 1 year old? My largest Saxony was the oldest but I just recently found her dead of unknown causes, old age maybe. She did raise 4 ducklings on her own last spring.

There are several nests around the barn, but they all seem to be randomly laying in each others nests. I only collect eggs that are not in a nest hoping that someone will eventually sit when it's full enough.

Do I need to provide more nesting areas?father apart? I have 2 acres fenced with trees and bushes and brush thinking they would find their own nests. All nests so far are in a building or on my straw pile.

 

[jakal92]

I forgot to mention the breeds are Pekin, Cayuga, Saxony, Welsh Harlequin, Mallard/Rouen, Muscovy,

 

[jakal92]

They free range the two acres 24/7. When it was cold they slept inside at night. Now that it's warming up they seem to mostly sleep outside, well I think they sleep because they are always awake when I go out there.

 

[Miss Lydia]

They free range the two acres 24/7. When it was cold they slept inside at night. Now that it's warming up they seem to mostly sleep outside, well I think they sleep because they are always awake when I go out there.

The could have nest anywhere with 2 acres to roam around on, I'd get them into the habit of sleeping inside at night not only for egg laying but for their protection too, especially if one goes broody it will be pardon the pun A sitting duck for preds. if you lock them up at night and they have a cozy place inside with plenty of bedding material they will start to lay and most likely you'll get a broody or 2 maybe even 3 or 4. LOL especially if you have Muscovy. again where you are living your probably just getting started for this year, None of my yearlings have even considered brooding, I have a close to 2yr old sitting on eggs, so good place to sleep and lay eggs and leave them inside until around 10ish every day. hopefully getting them use to one place and warmer weather will get them in the mood. Also Having an over abundance of drakes chasing the girls will keep them off the nests too. That can even interfere with egg laying. Also some breeds have had the broodiness bred out of them, but even those [Pekin] can fool ya and brood and hatch. So good luck!