Duck nest with eggs - Hen has abandoned?

Discussion in 'The Bucket' started by Todd_Sails, Apr 27, 2014.

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  1. Todd_Sails

    Todd_Sails Giant Squid

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    A few weeks ago and in the morning, I have been seeing Ducks, usually a male and female Mallard in our yard and side yard.
    There is no 'pond' on my property- and haven't seen this before in my yard.

    Every time I put out my flag on my house, this female Mallard comes out of the bushes and flys off.
    I then realized there must be a nest in the shrubs/bushes.

    I go onto my porch, bent down, and low and behold,
    A whole nest full of big, white eggs! Looks to be at least 8 of them.

    My 13y/o son and I quickly looked up a site that stated:
    - The hens lay about 1 egg a day up to 9 days.
    - The incubate to hatch in about 28-35 days.
    - The ducklings are usually 50 days old before they can fly
    - Don't try and feed them at all, because-
    - The hen will walk them up to a mile to the nearest pond, where they will feed, grow, etc.

    Well, I realize the hen know there is a nice big pond, full of geese, and some ducks about 1/2 mile up the road.

    If anyone know different, or if this info is totally wrong, please let me know.

    I am also going to research keeping 1 or 2 of the ducklings to raise- if not too difficult to do. If you know about this also, please let me know.

    I think this is really cool!

    - Todd
     
    Last edited: May 21, 2014
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  3. QuackAddict

    QuackAddict Astrea Snail

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    I have a pet duck raised her since she was 3 days old, shes imprinted on me too. When they are very young they dont like being seperated from their mother haha, mine peeped through out the night, the first night I had her, school sucked the next day haha...Ducks are very messy too, sloppy with their water and food!
     
  4. SkyFire

    SkyFire Clown Trigger

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    I've raised, geese, chickens & ducks and ducks are messy but don't stink as much as chickens plus the droppings are watery and therefore easier to hose down.
    They don't necessarily need a pool, a dish washing basin of water is enough for them to bathe in. But they do need water at all times since if they eat without it they'll choke and die.
    If you clip the wings you really only do one so that they're lop sided and therefore can't fly, if you do both they can still get enough lift to clear a fence.
     
  5. Todd_Sails

    Todd_Sails Giant Squid

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    Thanks for the replies and sharing.

    The more I read, I think I just may let nature takes it's course and not intervene.

    If I intervene, and any ducklings die, I'd feel really bad, etc.

    I'll keep updating with their progress,
     
  6. chris adams

    chris adams Purple Tang

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    Totally agree Let it be^^^
     
  7. oldfishkeeper

    oldfishkeeper Giant Squid

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    that is so cool Todd!! what a great learning experience for your kids! I live across from a nature center and there are lots of geese around. Their ducklings are soooo cute! I imagine, if you let nature take its course, you'll get to see momma and babies walking back and forth to the pond down the road. Should be really cool once they hatch!
     
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  9. Ashevillian

    Ashevillian Pajama Cardinal

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  10. Todd_Sails

    Todd_Sails Giant Squid

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    Thanks Mindy,

    I still might try and raise one or two, we'll see.

    Ash,

    Right now it's hard to see, cant get a good pic.
    If and when I see the ducklings though, I'll def. get some pictures.
     
  11. Ryland1

    Ryland1 Astrea Snail

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    I hate to be a downer here but you may want to check the wild life code on this. I'm pretty sure it is illegal to keep wild ducklings or for that matter even disturb the nest. I don't think you probably would ever have any problems but if you have any neaighbors you never know.
     
  12. QuackAddict

    QuackAddict Astrea Snail

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    Hey!! That's the answer, kinda wanted you to figure out they are an effort to raise and see the conclusion you picked, you picked the right answer;D