[MAK]

can anyone tell me if the drake has to mate with the female every day that she lays an egg or if the male can fertilise multiple eggs that are in the pipe line?

[HesterF]

I think the sperm is quite long lived - with chickens you have to be sure they're isolated with the right cockerel for two weeks before you start collecting so I would assume ducks are the same. I know I've pulled chickens that were over-trodden out for a couple of days to give them a break with no ill effects on their egg fertility.