The Accidental Smallholder Forum

Livestock => Poultry & Waterfowl => Topic started by: Hillview Farm on February 12, 2013, 11:17:54 am

Title: How to get ducks broody?
Post by: Hillview Farm on February 12, 2013, 11:17:54 am

Any ideas how to get my ducks broody In spring?

I have 5 Aylesburys and a khaki campbell, all laying very well and they make the most beautiful nests thay they all share.

Title: Re: How to get ducks broody?
Post by: colliewoman on February 12, 2013, 01:40:30 pm

Start selling duck eggs. In my experience as soon as you need the eggs the thing that lays them be it hen or duck will immediately go broody and stop laying ::) :D

Title: Re: How to get ducks broody?
Post by: Beeducked on February 12, 2013, 07:10:13 pm

 :D ;D :D


None of them are breeds known for going broody although you have the best chance with the Aylesbury's. Leaving a couple of eggs in the nest may help but is more likely to end up wasting them.


Chickens a much better bet.

Title: Re: How to get ducks broody?
Post by: Hillview Farm on February 12, 2013, 07:30:55 pm

I do sell them but I find they are hard to sell at this time of year!

Title: Re: How to get ducks broody?
Post by: Shropshirelass on February 13, 2013, 08:02:52 pm

Get a drake or some breeding call ducks or miniature appleyards otherwise don't bother trying with the larger breeds as they are hopeless! We've had allsorts including aylesburys & they make really poor broodies & mothers in general - I think ours have gone broody maybe 3 times in all my life living on a farm although the 2 above breeds I find have been quite good sitters & I think 1 call hatched some out. Ours went broody for maybe 2 weeks max but freaked as soon as they were put in a pen to sit away from rats like we do with hens  >:(

Your best bet I'd say is run them with drakes & put them under a broody hen & let her rear them or use an incubator & hand rear & good luck x