Need To Protect My Hens

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Miz Pack Fan

Miz Pack Fan

In the Brooder
Jan 16, 2016
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I have 4 duck, all hens now. I had a drake until last night. I think a coyote, raccoon or bobcat got him. These ducks have all been free range and I only make them go in at night in the winter when the pond is frozen. Now, I have a hen who is sitting full time on 8 eggs, and Im scared to death for her safety as well as for the safety of her eggs, not to mention my other 3 hens! Can I move her and her nest to the safety of the 'Quack Shack' or will this make her abandon her nest? Now that my drake is gone, Im counting on at least one of those eggs to hatch a boy! More importantly though, is keeping my girls safe. I know this predator is sure to come back. Does anyone have any suggestions? Please help!
 
There's a chance the nest moving will be successful but these can be tricky. There is still a possibility she will just abandon the nest. Is there anyway you could incubate the eggs or use another broody?

I would highly suggest keeping everyone in the coop for their own safety right now.
 
I wish I could, but don't have an incubator. She is not leaving the nest at all at this point and I'm really worried she's literally a sitting duck out there. She's hidden but because she's been setting, I take food and water to her every morning and remove the food at night so I don't attract predators to her. I can probably get the other 3 hens inside without much trouble but then I'd really be leaving my little momma alone. Getting desparate because I dont want to lose the hens or the eggs. I'm afraid if I scare her off her nest, she won't set again.
 
I'd say it is best to chance it and have a safe duck rather than lose her and the eggs.

Unless you have a way to quickly build something around her that is predator safe.
 
She is nesting between the outside garage wall and a trellis adorned with a clamatis vine. She's pretty well hidden but to try to make it a little safer, since I didnt have time or supplies to build a predator proof shelter around her, I tied some of my clothes to the trellis and put my hair around where she is. That along with leaving the outside lights on will hopefully be enough to get her through tonight and I can tackle the shelter tomorrow. I agree her safety is most important. She does not want to leave that nest, poor girl. Thanks for the advice. Praying she makes it through the night with my human smelling decorations as a deterrent so I can create a better solution tomorrow. I love my duckies!
 
You might be able to surround her with a puppy exercise pen and add netting over the top to at least discourage a predator. Unfortunately, sitting ducks are (literally)... sitting ducks.
 
Thanks for the wonderful advice! I'm happy to report we built a cage around where Figaro was setting and now have qq baby ducks who turn 2 weeks old tomorrlw. Momma and babies all seem to be healthy! Thanks again. I don't know what I'd do without this site and all of you who contribute to it!
 

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