Ductor Mallard and her nest of eggs

[JenInNev]

Mallard (domestic) nest

Question here. Please note i am a wussy when it comes to upsetting my ducks. Tried. Can't do it. With that said:

How upset do they get when the nest is messed with? I am tempted to go out this evening with a marker, put a mark on the existing eggs so i can collect the unmarked eggs.

And: if none of these hatch, thank goodness. Most wont as shes only been sitting all night on them for about a week. Do i allow her to set on it? What are the odds she will start all over again if i dismantle the nest? Or is this just something i need to watch for?

I cant go get supplies for about a week to close off the ramp to her as am in quarantine. Maybe just wait until i can go.get 2 rolls of chicken wire and staples?

 

[ibarbidahl]

As long as some eggs are still their she will just make a head count and adjust them around, no problem. If they are all gone she may throw a fit for a day or two but she'll calm down quick.

If you don't want that many ducklings, then don't let her sit on that many eggs. mark the eggs with an X that you want to let her keep and check daily for new eggs. Once she goes a couple days without adding to the nest you should be good to go - as long as another duck isn't laying in that nest as well.

Good luck!

 

[JenInNev]

As long as some eggs are still their she will just make a head count and adjust them around, no problem. If they are all gone she may throw a fit for a day or two but she'll calm down quick.

If you don't want that many ducklings, then don't let her sit on that many eggs. mark the eggs with an X that you want to let her keep and check daily for new eggs. Once she goes a couple days without adding to the nest you should be good to go - as long as another duck isn't laying in that nest as well.

Good luck!

Well I did it. Don't think she has noticed as i did when she came out to eat and bath. She was upset that i shut down the summer pool. Imagine I will hear her yelling soon. She reminds me of Ed Sullivan (dating myself) as she scrunches down her neck and squacks.