Broody duck hatching questions help

[New duck mommy 2021]

Best you can do is give her some shade. It gets hot sitting on a nest and now that she’s committed she won’t want to go far. Can you set up something close by with water in it so she can bathe And not have to go to the lake? And nipping is normal she is no protecting her nest. She’ll even stand up over her eggs to cook them if they over heat their instincts are amazing. Hope she makes it to hatch. Please I let us know.

I agree if you can give her a little kids pool or a bigger water dish she can stand in
Not much else you can do to help her

 

[Miss Lydia]

Try half way and give her something to jump onto to get in log etc. they like to bathe because it not only cools them down but also keeps humidity up for a good hatch

 

[7th_Arch_Angel]

All I have is a styrofoam cooler, about 24" high Do I fill it to the top? I really don't have anything to shade her with. I don't think she'll take too well with an umbrella. There's shade coming over the flowerbed as we speak, so maybe that will help. Now about the cooler....to the top or half way? And, will she know there's water in it? Please forgive my ignorance, but I'm new at this.*

How close to her should I put it without frightening her? How close to the nest?

 

[7th_Arch_Angel]

I agree if you can give her a little kids pool or a bigger water dish she can stand in
Not much else you can do to help her

I found a Tubberware tub. Not too big, but, something she can sit in. How close to the nest should I put it?

 

[Miss Lydia]

About 5’ should do it then just splash some water with your hand so she see water.

 

[7th_Arch_Angel]

Try half way and give her something to jump onto to get in log etc. they like to bathe because it not only cools them down but also keeps humidity up for a good hatch

Ok. Just did that. She did look at me strange, though......like, what are you doing?? I hope she knows there's water in it for her.....lol. I put a towel over the log......don't want her to get splinters...lol. Will keep you posted. And, thanks again for all your help! God bless!

 

[Miss Lydia]

Did you splash some water around? Hopefully she’ll decide to go for a bathe. It’s done so fast you may never see her do it. My Muscovy when broody come out to eat bathe and poop which takes all of maybe 15 min then right back on the nest. Missing water might give you a clue she’s been in though.

 

[7th_Arch_Angel]

Did you splash some water around? Hopefully she’ll decide to go for a bathe. It’s done so fast you may never see her do it. My Muscovy when broody come out to eat bathe and poop which takes all of maybe 15 min then right back on the nest. Missing water might give you a clue she’s been in though.

Moved that tub about 5 different times.....lol. Splashed it so she could see where I put it. Splashed a little on the down. You do know ducks can give you "the look", right? ("Oh no you didn't just douse my down!!"...lol) I put it across from her at the base of my other flowerbed. Hope she gets the hint. Will keep you posted.
Oh....and she's sitting half on and half off her nest.*

 

[Miss Lydia]

Probably cooling them. What could she be eating ? Do you ever see her up moving around close to her nest?oh yes I have see that look many times. The one “ if looks could kill” lol

 

[7th_Arch_Angel]

Probably cooling them. What could she be eating ? Do you ever see her up moving around close to her nest?oh yes I have see that look many times. The one “ if looks could kill” lol

She hardly ever leaves the nest. A few times, she flew to the lake in the back, but not for very long. I haven't seen her eat anything to be honest. She just changes her position on the nest, and keeps on sitting. She spreads her tail feathers when I get close now. She's never done that before either. I keep my distance now, and give her her space. But still on duck watch duty. This is feeling more like a full time job.....lol. Loving it!!