hen stealing from broody

[Anonymous]

Hi im new here and could do with some advice...

My copper maran cross (Fred) has gone broody & as i've always wanted runner ducks i thought i'd try her...

She's doing really well, except shes being way too soft... my other hen (ginger) keeps laying in Freds nest and then moving the duck eggs over to another nest..

I found two cold duck eggs this afternoon... little annoyed i didnt check earlier but i was going out & ginger hadn't laid by the time i left...

I've marked the cold eggs with pencil & put them back under Fred just in case theres some chance..

Is this a common problem? I will attempt to move Fred tomorrow night when the pen is finished.... advice on moving her & some good luck vibes for the cold duckies would be great!

 

[Davidd]

Hello, you should always separate the broody hen from the rest-most people do this- try to give her a coop on her own- it stops the others laying in with her and bullying her also.The eggs may still be viable- how long are they into incubation? the longer the better from the eggs point of view as the more advanced they are the slower they lose heat- so, please keep the broody apart from the rest and good luck with the duck eggs.
regards, David