Won’t stay on eggs

[Bonniekennewell]

My Pekin has laid 16 eggs but only sits on them for a few hours during the day. She keeps coming out and playing with the drake. Is this normal or will they not be viable? New duck mum!

 

[BelovedBirds]

My Pekin has laid 16 eggs but only sits on them for a few hours during the day. She keeps coming out and playing with the drake. Is this normal or will they not be viable? New duck mum!

I'm no expert on broodies, but this is to my understanding based on research and observation with my girls-

Pekin hens don't usually make great mothers as they lack that broody instinct, so it is impossible to say whether or not she will sit properly-- but there is definitely a chance, some end up going broody and making good mums. Sounds like she is feeling broody to some extent, so it is possible that she is just waiting on more eggs and not ready to sit fully during the day.

Has she stopped yet, or is she still laying eggs?
My girlie laid 20 or more before she finally started sitting pretty much full time. (I don't reccomend allowing that number if you want them to hatch, as many would likely be left uncovered and too cold to grow). Broodies should stop laying eggs once they are sitting properly. It's best to mark the eggs once she is ready to sit on them, and remove any new ones she may lay thereafter- as this will avoid a staggered hatch.

Once she is fully sitting, you'll probably see her returning to her nest throughout the day, leaving it only to eat, poop and have a quick swim. She won't be on the nest 24/7 but she will spend most of her time on it, and leave it neatly covered and warm before she leaves for a break. Before she commits to this, she will likely sit on the nest during the night only, or partially during the day.

 

[Bonniekennewell]

I'm no expert on broodies, but this is to my understanding based on research and observation with my girls-

Pekin hens don't usually make great mothers as they lack that broody instinct, so it is impossible to say whether or not she will sit properly-- but there is definitely a chance, some end up going broody and making good mums. Sounds like she is feeling broody to some extent, so it is possible that she is just waiting on more eggs and not ready to sit fully during the day.

Has she stopped yet, or is she still laying eggs?
My girlie laid 20 or more before she finally started sitting pretty much full time. (I don't reccomend allowing that number if you want them to hatch, as many would likely be left uncovered and too cold to grow). Broodies should stop laying eggs once they are sitting properly. It's best to mark the eggs once she is ready to sit on them, and remove any new ones she may lay thereafter- as this will avoid a staggered hatch.

Once she is fully sitting, you'll probably see her returning to her nest throughout the day, leaving it only to eat, poop and have a quick swim. She won't be on the nest 24/7 but she will spend most of her time on it, and leave it neatly covered and warm before she leaves for a break. Before she commits to this, she will likely sit on the nest during the night only, or partially during the day.

Thanks so much for the info, that helps me a lot! I’ll check how many eggs today and see if she is still laying.