Ducks hatched their first egg!

[Slash3]

So my two girls have barely been out of their nest box recently (must have missed a few eggs). They are sharing a massive nest about 8+inches high, sitting on eggs. This evening we saw the bottom half of an egg just outside the nest, so went to get a look and saw the head and eyes of a fluffball! I'm concerned whether they will feed the baby though whilst still sitting? Also I have seen rats go into the pen (not in the nest box though). will rats attack a duckling? adding some smaller wire to the pen tomorrow to try keep them out.

 

[DuckyDonna]

So my two girls have barely been out of their nest box recently (must have missed a few eggs). They are sharing a massive nest about 8+inches high, sitting on eggs. This evening we saw the bottom half of an egg just outside the nest, so went to get a look and saw the head and eyes of a fluffball! I'm concerned whether they will feed the baby though whilst still sitting? Also I have seen rats go into the pen (not in the nest box though). will rats attack a duckling? adding some smaller wire to the pen tomorrow to try keep them out.

I think rats will get the duckling. I know snakes will. I don't have any experience with broody ducks but this worries me that you've got rats in there. @Miss Lydia @Isaac 0 what should she do?

 

[Isaac 0]

Congrats, love to see some pictures when you have the chance! Just set a feed and water dish by the nest so the babies and mother can eat as needed. I don't have much experience with rats, but I do know they will find and eat ducklings so I would suggest blocking up any holes in the pen before a rat gets in. Any hole the size of a quarter, a rat can get through.

 

[Miss Lydia]

Fix this area so rats cannot get into where they are brooding and hatching they will def go after a duckling and the feed will attract them also.

 

[Slash3]

yeah I have some much smaller wire to go down tomorrow. like 1cm square. It was to late to do it when we spotted the egg. We dont really have many snakes in uk. Thanks for help guys.