Duck laying in the winter?

[CJMiller]

Hello, my mallard hen layed a nest of 13 eggs in the backyard. It is now December 3rd. Will she be able to hatch them? Will it be too cold, I live in Oregon. Will she not be able to keep them warm? And also, if I want her to sit on them I need to keep her out of her pen all night and day. Is this to dangerous? What should I do. Should I let her try and sit on them?

 

[Kevin565]

I personally would not advise hatching them this late in the colder states.

 

[CJMiller]

Really? Is there actually a danger they won't hatch, or once hatched they won't be able to stay warm?

 

[Kevin565]

There's a possibility they won't be able to stay warm if for some reason they couldn't get snuggled up to mom.