Well as with practically every other animal I am owed by, my ducks have decided to make a liar out of me and the Pekin females have decided to sit on their last batch of eggs. Mind you all, they have probably layed over 150 eggs each (there are 2)and I've tossed all but the very first ones and they never cared nor did they ever express a desire to sit in the nest. More like drop and run. Anyway, I've noticed a couple of things I'd like to share about their recent behavior in the event anyone else has Pekins and needs the info.
The two of them have built one huge nest and sit together, oftentimes changing which batch they are sitting on like it is a joint venture. They eat very little and drink very little and will leave the nest few times during the day and never for more than a couple of minutes. Also, they are looking a bit weary over the ordeal and their normal exubberant "QUACK" is more of a moan or baby cry. I've been taking fresh greens and pieces of watermelon to the area where they are sitting and they seem very thankful to have someone bring them food. They will both take it from my hand (something they did when very young but as they became adults did not want to do.) The reason for the watermelon is because it is mostly water and I'm just not sure how much water they are getting since they don't want to leave the nest much.
The drakes are in the pen with them and for the most part seem to be just waiting for the girls to decide to get off the nest. I did catch one of them biting at one of the females but not really agressively, just sort of nipping as if he wanted her to move. She naturally did not and yelled something to which the drake then decided to leave her alone.
I am wondering if I should move the drakes to separate housing while the females are sitting. I know that I will have to keep them away from any ducklings that hatch as I have heard they will try to hurt the ducklings. Also, it's too cold now to have the ducklings outside, so the Moms and babies will have to be brought in the garage at least.
Does anyone know how long the ducks will sit in the event no eggs hatch? It took the first batch 28 days to pip, but I incubated them indoors because at that time the females did not want to be Moms.
Pam
