Welsh Harlequin can she hatch and look after young

[Blondie]

My welsh harlequin duck is sitting on 10 eggs in the general duck house. Is she able to hatch them on her own and rear them or should I take the ducklings when they hatch and hand rear them under heat lamp? I am worried about when the ducklings hatch that rats, squirrels or magpies could get them what do you think? It is day 5 of my broody duck sitting on eggs - how exciting 08

 

[Chuck]

You are more likely to get a quick and accurate reply in the duck section Blondie.

 

[foxy]

Moved into waterfowl section.

If she is sitting tight, then only time will tell. Usually ducks are pretty good when the broody instinct takes over,however I am not familiar with Welsh Harlequins as mums having only used Muscovies as broody ducks.

 

[dorsetduckowner]

I would trust her to do the job and only intervene if they become at risk once hatched. Most duckies can do a good job, even if they seem a bit haphazard!