Broody Ducks - A few questions..

[Tim]

Hi,

I have never had a broody duck before. I have kept Runners for some years and they never went broody but now I have Abacot Rangers and one of the 2nd year ducks has gone very broody!

Now I have had lots of broody hens in the past and know what to do with them ... but I want to check I've got the right ideas for my broody duck.

She has been sitting on eggs for over a week now and on Monday, I've got 3 ducklings from my incubator due. Normally about now, they would go into the hatcher but I'm considering giving them to her for the last day.

She's in a difficult position on a slope under a bush - would she move like a broody hen if I separated her into a different house? Should I let her hatch the ducklings and then move her (she's in with other ducks and chickens) or could I pop the newly hatched ducklings under her at night like I would a broody hen?

Any help appreciated!

Thanks,

Tim

 

[Davidd]

Hi Tim, most domestic ducks, except muskovies are terrible mothers- having said that, i would either hatch the ducklings and put them under her at night( if you can get near her without her getting off) or give her the eggs to hatch herself- the only risk with the last suggestion is that sometimes "new " duck mums squash the ducklings as they hatch- hens do it too sometimes if not had chicks before. You will not be able to move her somewhere else to incubate- ducks just don't do it :shock: They have to sit where they sit- not like a broody hen.
regards, David

 

[Tim]

Thank you Davidd - I had a feeling you might be able to help me!

This morning, she has left the nest and eggs for a couple of hours (it is raining heavily and the temperature has dropped alot). I have a feeling she has given up - but I will look later.

T