Brooding Mallard hen

[swampfox440]

Update from Ducky Central:
She's making me proud! Successfully escaped the cat attack. She was back in her nest this morning. I've taken additional steps to hopefully thwart off future unwanted encounters:
Coffee grounds around her perimeter, with an addition of Cayene pepper and crushed red pepper flakes, and, an abundance of peppermint oil all around the perimeter of both flowerbeds. Held off on the vinegar....for now. I just want to see how all this works. (I did some research online, and found out what is suppose to be effective deterrents for cats and raccoons.)
Note: She kinda looked at me as if to ask "what ARE you doing??" When I finished and went inside, she got off her nest, inspected what I had done in both flowerbeds, then casually went back and resumed her place on the nest. Been there ever since.
*I might have gone a little overboard on the peppermint oil, but, hey....whatever works, right?

My hat is off to you. It sounds like you are doing everything you can within the law.

 

[Boppo]

You are the guardian angel for the brave mallard mama! Best wishes! We are all hoping for the best.

 

[7th_Arch_Angel]

You are the guardian angel for the brave mallard mama! Best wishes! We are all hoping for the best.

Had an uneventful, quiet night and morning....thank God! Saw the "attack cat" on video. It attemped to approach the flowerbed, got a whiff of cayene and peppermint, was shaking its head, and then (love this part..) jumped straight up and then took off running at the sound of the 'cougar! That was classic to watch....lol No sign of the raccoon either, btw.
As an added precaution, going to administer the 'vinegar barrier' this evening. Like I said, they made it personal. Now it's my turn to respond in kind.
And, since Ducky is protected by law, she's in my 'protective custody'.....lol
(16 days til "hatch time")
*Will keep you posted.

 

[GermanKennhuhn]

Hello and welcome to BYC! We’re so glad you joined!

 

[Sapphire Sebright]

Welcome to BackYard Chickens! We're glad that you've popped in, and we hope that you enjoy your stay.
Good luck with your birds, and may God bless you.

 

[7th_Arch_Angel]

Some questions:
Ducky (Mallard hen) is panting pretty much. It's been in the upper 80's the past few days. I've given her water, she'll take a few sips, but still pants. There's a lake behind my property that she can go to. Will she go there if she gets too hot? (I'm guessing that's what the issue is) Or will she stay on the nest to shield the eggs from the sun? Is there anything else I can do for her to make her comfortable?

 

[DobieLover]

Some questions:
Ducky (Mallard hen) is panting pretty much. It's been in the upper 80's the past few days. I've given her water, she'll take a few sips, but still pants. There's a lake behind my property that she can go to. Will she go there if she gets too hot? (I'm guessing that's what the issue is) Or will she stay on the nest to shield the eggs from the sun? Is there anything else I can do for her to make her comfortable?

She could be panting to cool herself down because the hatch is underway.

 

[7th_Arch_Angel]

She could be panting to cool herself down because the hatch is underway.

Ok. Thanks so much. I thinks there's maybe about 10 to 12 more days until the hatch, if I've calculated the time right. I continue to watch her closely.

 

[Chickens are awsome]

Welcome to BYC!

 

[7th_Arch_Angel]

Welcome to BYC!

Just looked at your link. Totally awesome!! "Ducky" is a wild Mallard, so my looking at her eggs are a no-go. (Wish I could though....lol) Besides panting alot, is there any other behaviour I should look for? She changes position on her nest alot, too. Is that part of the hatch procedure? I hope I haven't miscalculated her "due date". Is there a specific time of day (or night) that the eggs hatch? I'm a nervous wreck......lol