I can’t believe this happened! 😥

[CharmingChickens]

I have this broody runner duck that has probably been on her nest for 20-24 days maybe. And I made a huge mistake. This is what she’s nesting in

Anyways I’ve been leaving the door cracked. She originally had 8 eggs but now only has 5. I think because the chickens are getting in and messing with her nest. I looked everywhere and couldn’t find the missing 3. So I had a plan. This morning i candle all 5 eggs and they all were moving! I was so happy! I had to go to work with my dad soon. So I had the idea that I’d let her out of her cage, to eat and drink, then shut the cage so the chickens can get in while I do the other chores. And I planned to come back and open it in 5-10 minutes. Long story short I forgot to open it. and now it’s been a couple of hours and the eggs have no been sat on! Is there any chance they are still okay? Harper has put so much work into this! I feel terrible.

 

[Morrigan]

If it's only been a couple of hours, the eggs should be fine.

 

[SueT]

Yes, they are probably still fine.

 

[CharmingChickens]

Just wanted to say this morning she hatched a beautiful duckling and another that is pipped!
And I was off about the days by quite a bit!

 

[New duck mommy 2021]

Congrats on the hatching
Yes they can be off the nest for long periods of time
I just hatched 3 that a goose had sat on for 16 days
Then ditched the eggs all over the place and the lady brought my eggs back on the morning of day 17
Basically the eggs had not been sat on for 24 hours
I put them in my bator

 

[Tired old Rooster]

Just wanted to say this morning she hatched a beautiful duckling and another that is pipped!
And I was off about the days by quite a bit!

Awesome! Enjoy the ducklings and in future do what old roosters with failing memories do. Cell phone alarms, sticky notes, fridge magnets, white board, etc.