[Prod]

I bought a pair of silver Call Ducks 2 weeks ago and they have settled in well with the chucks.  The duck has started to lay and there are now 3 lovely eggs in the nest area.  She doesn't appear broody i.e  she is still out and about  What are the chances that she will hatch these?? (piece of string question I know but I only started keeping chickens last year so still all a bit new to me)  Cheers

[ANHBUC]

Have you seen the pair mating?  If they have just started I would remove the first few eggs.  Then leave any new ones laid and wait and see if she sits once she has laid enough for a clutch. 

I don't know if you are meant to breed off young ducks so I hope someone else will adise you on that.

[Prod]

They are about 15mths old  and yes the drake has been treading her.  Each morning when I let them out they head for the water trough and do a little 'dance'  where they nod up and down to each other and make noises. Then they get in the water and he treads her. When he has finished he always rolls off onto his back with his feet in the air. It is very funny to watch.  I have seen him tread her a couple of times a day and she seems to start the little ritual sometimes, unlike the chickens who just get pounced on by the cockerel!!!!

[ANHBUC]

It is really nice watching different birds mating dances.  When we had a pair of turkeys I could watch them for ages.

I would as I said move the first few eggs just in case they are not fertile.  He should have had plenty of practice now so the next batch of eggs are more likely to be viable. 

Don't forget the pictures when you new brood arrives.