We have a mixed flock of 10 duck hens with 1 drake. I'm trying to hatch a new brood for the Spring. I've set up a new sheltered nest and kept it loaded with 10-13 fresh eggs for the last couple weeks, but none of the hens seems interested. They do like laying in the nest (so much so that one of our
chickens has taken to laying in it!) Is there anything else I can do to encourage a hen to set? More eggs, less eggs?
Our flock is made up of Pekins, Roans, Indian Runners, and Khaki Campbells. I've heard these breeds have all had the brood instinct largely bred out of them. Does this mean we'll wind up incubating?
I've also heard there's not much you can do to encourage broodiness except maybe hold a hen on a nest for a while. Anyone tried this?
Thanks ~ Naga