Some mysteries were solved yesterday when I discovered a hidey-hole in which there were 4 eggs; 2 chicken eggs, 2 duck eggs.
My production from both has been down a bit but I figured it was just the heat. Yesterday I heard a definite "I laid another one" noise coming from the corner of the property so I went to investigate. That's when I found the eggs. Then I remembered that Bluebell, one of my runners, had been AWOL for a few hours one day last week.
This morning I watched the ducks go to that area, as they do nearly every morning when I let them out. They all came back nearly right away but about an hour later Bluebell was missing again.
I went to the secret hidey hole and found her sitting under the ivy. Didn't get too close, so at least she'll have some practice. There's no way she could hatch there, even if she had a clutch, since we have racoons who would gobble her up in no time.
Also, if last week's behaviour is any indication she'll soon get bored and return to her buddies.
My production from both has been down a bit but I figured it was just the heat. Yesterday I heard a definite "I laid another one" noise coming from the corner of the property so I went to investigate. That's when I found the eggs. Then I remembered that Bluebell, one of my runners, had been AWOL for a few hours one day last week.
This morning I watched the ducks go to that area, as they do nearly every morning when I let them out. They all came back nearly right away but about an hour later Bluebell was missing again.
I went to the secret hidey hole and found her sitting under the ivy. Didn't get too close, so at least she'll have some practice. There's no way she could hatch there, even if she had a clutch, since we have racoons who would gobble her up in no time.
Also, if last week's behaviour is any indication she'll soon get bored and return to her buddies.
