Do Ducks Go Broody

From time to time your duck may go broody. In some ducks this maternal instinct is stronger than others and it can happen at any time. It is quite easy to spot because the broody duck will simply sit in the nesting box (or flower pot!) and refuse to budge.

What breeds of ducks go broody?

Muscovies are the best broody ducks, but the domestic Mallard, Ancona, and Welsh Harlequin can be good broodies as well. It generally takes 30-33 days for mother goose to hatch her eggs. All goose breeds will generally become broody once every spring.

Does a duck sit on her eggs all the time?

A mother duck sits on her eggs for 20 to 23 hours a day, taking an average of three breaks, each lasting around an hour at a time. When she does leave her nest, the duck hen covers her eggs with additional down and nesting material to help keep the eggs warm in her absence.