For the larger species, breeds such as Orpingtons and Plymouth Rocks make good mothers. This prevents any disruptions to the nest. It is a good idea to keep the hen in small coop all by herself. When using bantams, keep the sitting hens seperated from the rest of the flock. Their small size makes them ideal for the smaller species such as teal and wood ducks. Some of the best foster hens are silkie and cochin bantams. It is a good idea to not store waterfowl eggs for more than a week. Eggs should be stored small end down and if kept in a carton, the carton should be slanted and rotated a few times each day. Eggs should be stored in a cool room, with a temperature of about 59 to 65 degrees F. Most breeders set their eggs weekly or every other day, depending on how many eggs you have and what you are using to incubate them. You an use a pencil and write anything that will help you to remember where the egg came from, etc. The example to the right shows "WD" for Wood Duck, "N5" for the nest box where the egg was found and "4-25" is date laid. Most hens will not sit until the entire clutch is complete and will cover the eggs with down while away.Īfter you have brought the eggs out of the aviary, mark the egg in such a way that it can be identified. Never force the hen off the nest, she may not return to finish the clutch. When you collect the eggs, leave a chicken or "dummy" egg behind so the hen will continue to lay in the nest. When the hen begins her clutch, she will often lay an egg every other day or so. Some breeders also use foster hens such as bantams or Muscovy Ducks to hatch and rear ducklings, this has been the most successful way for me.įor the incubation period and natural rearing by the mother, please visit the individual care sheets for the desired species. Many breeders allow the birds to raise their ducklings naturally, but others depend on artificial means of rearing captive waterfowl. The goal of every waterfowl breeder is to have a successful breeding season. Waterfowl incubation and brooding By Dan Cowell
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