Duck nesting in the fall??

[Agwhite]

I have a large flock of mallards and 4 successful mothers that raised ducklings this past spring. It is now the end of September, and my dog has recently been sniffing around the back porch. Little did I know another hen had a nest of 10 eggs hidden under my staircase! I saw her sitting on them September 17 and the eggs should hatch sometime in October. Why is she sitting so late in the season? Will it be too cold to raise babies? If it gets too cold what should I do? Is there anything I can do to help her?

 

[Canadian Wind]

Where are you located?

 

[ProudRedneck]

Where are you located?

Looks to be down south here with me in Florida and them in Alabama according to profile, . Correct me if I'm wrong @Agwhite.

I had the same questions since my Muscovy just laid her 1st egg yesterday.

 

[Agwhite]

Where are you located?

Alabama

 

[Canadian Wind]

Yeah, you don't get the harsh winters we do up north. Ducks are very resilient, even the babies. After all, they go swimming within a few days of being hatched. I would hazard a guess that everything should be fine.

 

[Luv Ducks]

I agree. My Mallards here in Ohio have hatched out babies in early March when it was still quite cold and my Hen was able to keep all 11 perfectly warm and they all survived. I had a shelter for them with shavings and they went in and out of that and were fine. Good luck with your ducklings, there is nothing cuter!!!