Advice needed

[mabaker]

Our duck has been sat on eggs, 14 in total and this morning appeared with four ducklings, and has appeared to have abandoned the nest. Shall I put her and her ducklings in a safe place, or is she likely to go back and sit on the remaining eggs?

 

[bargain]

I am guessing that she is done with the hatch. Generally the duck doesn't walk around with ducklings unless she is "done". Is there another female duck that was also "sitting" with her. I have had two hatch out of the same clutch before. You could try to candle the remaining eggs to see if there is life in any of them and then decide based on that. Good luck and I hope this is helpful and have a blessed day.

 

[mabaker]

Hi thank you for the advice, she was sat in a bush with the eggs, we noticed the ducklings this morning when she got off to eat, and then she returned to the nest. When I got back from the school run, she was up and out with her four ducklings wandering about, I have put her in the duck house at the moment, but should I let her wander about, as I am worried about the ducklings...

 

[Miss Lydia]

Hi thank you for the advice, she was sat in a bush with the eggs, we noticed the ducklings this morning when she got off to eat, and then she returned to the nest. When I got back from the school run, she was up and out with her four ducklings wandering about, I have put her in the duck house at the moment, but should I let her wander about, as I am worried about the ducklings...

If she is not in a safe area I would keep them penned up for about a week, too many things can get her and babies. that will give the babies a chance to gain some strength too.
Congrats on the hatch.

 

[bargain]

Absolutely agree with Ms. Lydia!!!!! Keep Momma and babies safe!!!!! (Now I have actually moved birds nests into safer areas as well) so I guess you could move it into your duck house if you have room, but security first on your existing group) and congrats on the babies!