[daveinmanc]

when a duck goes ' broody '

not that i think its happening yet as the two girls consistently lay an egg each a day, in the house, and dont go back in through the day to sit on them or anything. but  . . . . ..

i know it will happen and its just a matter of when  so what are the signs to watch out for ? (one's already been plucking  breast feathers off)

the OH would like them to hatch a few babies (naturally not incubated)) at some point this year and if you were going to do that intentionally, would all 3 (2 girls and a boy) be ok for instance all in the house together at night as they have been under normal circumstances or would the broody duck need to be separated during the time she'd want to sit? could i or would i need to make a ' box ' inside the house to separate her from the others or so the eggs dont get ate/broken etc?  and how would you go about cleaning the house and things like that  

just trying to arm myself in advance with some knowledge so i know what to expect and maybe even try and prepare something just in case beforehand   . . . . .

thank you in advance people : )

[Jellyhead]

I hatched 2 duck eggies under Martha, a little bantam. Everything has gone fine altho I did islolate her a little at the end cos I didnt want the eggies being trodden on by the ducks. We are 3 weeks on and the ducklings are LUVERLY :roll:   The ducks have been lining the nests with feathers but no other signs of broodiness yet :shock:

[babe]

im guessing they will sit on the eggs...  :roll:    

[daveinmanc]

so they'd all be happy enough in together at night as usual then? and no need for any special boxes or separation ?

and what about feeding? will they come out when they're ready to eat or would you be putting food in with them to make sure they are getting some?

[Jellyhead]

Some broodys sit tight and go without and some sneak out and feed and drink when ready. If I think they arent going out I either give them some food and water or put them out to get some

[daveinmanc]

gotcha  . .. . . ..  so its pretty much play it by ear all round then eh lol  

hmmm looks like i'll have to make it up as i go along then like the ducks lol