5 Signs of a Broody Duck

It’s convenient for you when a hen decides it’s her job to hatch out ducklings! But how can you tell if a duck is serious about brooding? Have you even given a hen a nest, only to discover she was fickle and undecided? Here are 5 signs of a broody duck, how you can tell if a bird is truly ready to set!

An Infatuation With Eggs

When a duck hen has the mothering itch, she’ll develop an infatuation with eggs. Those left within her reach will often end up in her nest, irregardless of who laid them!!

Aggression Toward Humans

A ‘hen in the mood’ doesn’t like anyone who gathers her eggs. In fact, she may strike and hiss at any hand or foot that comes near her treasure. As you walk away, the hen will likely follow, flapping her wings and nipping at your heels.

Don’t be afraid of her. She really can’t hurt you with her smooth, round beak and those funny webbed feet!

But do these two behaviors mean she’s ready to set? Not necessarily. At this point a hen may only be thinking about going broody.

If your hen is also displaying the following 3 signs, she’s usually in earnest about becoming a mother.

A Carefully Constructed Nest

Much like a wild duck, your hen will take pains to construct a nest with whatever material is available. Grass, straw and hay will be carried to the chosen spot. If nesting on the ground, she’ll often take time to enlarge the nesting bowl as well.

Removal of Breast Feathers

After constructing her nest, a hen’s final pre-brooding act is to pull out some of her own downy breast feathers. She uses these to create a soft lining in her nest. Once accomplished, she’s ready to brood!

Refusal to Leave the Nest

Last but not least, you know a hen is serious when she refuses to leave the nest she’s taken such pains to create! Your presence only causes her to more firmly plant herself on the nest. She’ll refuse to budge and put up such a fuss in such a determined manner, you won’t be able to refuse her request!

If she only has a few eggs, you can take as many as necessary from the other hens. Your average sized duck can manage up to 15 eggs.

Slip them under the wanna-be mama and leave her to complete the task.

These are 5 signs of a broody duck!