HOW LONG DO I LET FEMALE DUCK SIT ON INFERTILE EGGS?

[jen61871]

I have 2 muscovy hens that are sitting on eggs that are infertile. I'm positive of this. The one has been sitting so long a couple eggs are turning dark. But both hens are very dedicated. How long do I let them sit on the eggs? And when I do take the eggs, how do I do it that is easiest on the hen?

 

[Soon2BChixMom]

Just take the eggs and destroy the nests. It's that easy. They will just move on and not be too bothered by it after a day for sure.

 

[casportpony]

35-37 days is the longest I let mine sit.

You should candle all of the eggs just in case one is viable. If all are bad, toss them, destroy their nest, and hopefully the hens give up. If they don't give up you should break them of of their broody behavior. I break mine by putting them in a 12' x 12' cage on plain dirt.

 

[Lil Drake40]

You have Muscovy’s right you’ll soon find out

 

[Soon2BChixMom]

I know they get broody. I read you just remove the eggs and break up the nests. Do you have to cage them? I was under the impression they lose interest quicker than chickens.

 

[casportpony]

Do you have to break broody ducks? I read that they aren't as bad as broody chickens.

Mine are far worse than chickens! Some will sit in direct sunlight in triple digit heat on empty nests! Got one right now I gotta break.

 

[WVduckchick]

I find that they will just make a nest elsewhere, but if I just keep taking the eggs, they never build up enough to actually try to sit longterm. But I haven't had very many broody ducks.

 

[Soon2BChixMom]

I think the OP has hens only though. So, they will have a mess if those eggs rot and explode.

 

[casportpony]

why?? to what purpose does breaking broodiness in a muscovy serve ?
let it run it's course.

Some will sit for months, which is not good for the health of the bird.

 

[casportpony]

It doesn't matter really, I won't be caging my birds to break their broodiness. I will just take the eggs and destroy the nests. Like I planned to do once they start laying.

Last year I had one really bad one. First I tossed the eggs, then I completely destroyed her nest, but she went back and made a new nest.