Help! I have a duck nest under a bush in my garden

[Yooperduckmom]

I live in a residential area of town in Upper Michigan. Last week, I noticed a wild duck (I think its a Mallard) wandering in my front yard and then found a nest with 11 eggs under a bush in a small flower garden in my front yard! Last week she was leaving the nest and crossing the street. She met up with a male duck a couple times across the street. This week she is spending most of her time laying on the eggs. I've noticed her to be gone in the late evening and then back on the nest in the morning. This is all so new to me! I want to protect her and the eggs, so they hatch. So the first thing I did was buy a couple of signs that read "Caution- Ducks Crossing" that I will post on each side of the street. The closest pond and so-called natural habitat that would seem fit for the brood is about 6 blocks away in a nearby cemetery. I think it would be cool to help keep her and the ducklings safe, so that they will eventually be able to find the perfect home outside of the nest. I've been talking to people and did some internet searching but I'm trying to stay ahead of things, so I'm prepared for what is to come. I bought some food for her - cracked corn and all flock pellets and shredded some carrots and have that in a small tinfoil dish. I put a roaster with water in it near her nest. The chance of any predators is slim, but the other day I noticed a crow near the nest. Today I built a 3 foot poultry fence around my flower garden to enclose the nesting area in preparation for the ducklings. I understand she flies like a helicopter and will be able to fly over the fence if necessary. I read that the eggs will start to hatch in 28 days, but I'm not sure when she laid them. I figure no more than 2 weeks ago. I have no idea what to expect and if my involvement will be a help or hindurance. Because they are in my yard, I feel responsible for them and want to see them all make it. Any suggestions are truly appreciated.

 

[Miss Lydia]

I live in a residential area of town in Upper Michigan. Last week, I noticed a wild duck (I think its a Mallard) wandering in my front yard and then found a nest with 11 eggs under a bush in a small flower garden in my front yard! Last week she was leaving the nest and crossing the street. She met up with a male duck a couple times across the street. This week she is spending most of her time laying on the eggs. I've noticed her to be gone in the late evening and then back on the nest in the morning. This is all so new to me! I want to protect her and the eggs, so they hatch. So the first thing I did was buy a couple of signs that read "Caution- Ducks Crossing" that I will post on each side of the street. The closest pond and so-called natural habitat that would seem fit for the brood is about 6 blocks away in a nearby cemetery. I think it would be cool to help keep her and the ducklings safe, so that they will eventually be able to find the perfect home outside of the nest. I've been talking to people and did some internet searching but I'm trying to stay ahead of things, so I'm prepared for what is to come. I bought some food for her - cracked corn and all flock pellets and shredded some carrots and have that in a small tinfoil dish. I put a roaster with water in it near her nest. The chance of any predators is slim, but the other day I noticed a crow near the nest. Today I built a 3 foot poultry fence around my flower garden to enclose the nesting area in preparation for the ducklings. I understand she flies like a helicopter and will be able to fly over the fence if necessary. I read that the eggs will start to hatch in 28 days, but I'm not sure when she laid them. I figure no more than 2 weeks ago. I have no idea what to expect and if my involvement will be a help or hindurance. Because they are in my yard, I feel responsible for them and want to see them all make it. Any suggestions are truly appreciated.

First of all it is so sweet of you to want to help. I think putting out food will draw predators so be sure to put it up in the evening don't leave it out over night. And yes crows do eat eggs and will snatch a ducklings if given the chance. If mama is spending time on her eggs this week then you can begin the count down from when you saw her staying put give or take a few days, and she will leave the nest long enough to bath eat and poop. usually 30-45 min at tops. Other than what you have already done I'd say it's a waiting game now and just hope she or dad doesn't get run over walking across the road. your going to have your work cut out for you making sure her and ducklings make it that six blocks but maybe you can get some help to make sure all roads are safe when they make the trip. Please keep us updated and wishing you all the best. and

 

[Amiga]

You are very caring! And seem to have thought things through pretty well. There are always surprises and a variety of opinions, so please keep us up to date.

Predators seem to come out of nowhere when there are ducks around. Crows like to eat eggs.

Not every nest is successful, so brace yourself. I would keep trying to support her without disturbing her.

There are stories of mallard moms who nest in courtyards and get escorted out when the ducklings are ready.

 

[Yooperduckmom]

Thank you so much for your replies. This has been such a fun learning experience! I feel so fortunate to have this going on right in my front yard...
Today I have the following questions:
1. What do ducklings eat? Can I make a "mush" (by adding water) to the all flock pellets?
2. How should I supply the ducklings with water - what type of container? I've read that it can't be too deep because they can drown.
3. How will I get the mom and ducklings to their safe habitat? I could transfer the ducklings in a bin, but what about the mom? Will she follow or would I need to pick her up and if so, how is that done? Or do I just take down the fence and allow the mom to do her thing? I would be worried about this due to traffic...

I'm planning for the best case scenario that MOST/ALL of the ducklings make it!

 

[Amiga]

 

[Miss Lydia]

So precious A thanks for sharing, makes my heart feel good to see we still have good folks in our country.

 

[Amiga]

I thought of these kinds of things when Yooperduckmom was wondering how to help the duck family with the rest of their journey.

 

[Yooperduckmom]

Awwww Heartwarming!!! I hope my story has this happy ending!!!

 

[Yooperduckmom]

Update on mother duck. Its been 22 days that she's been constantly lying on the nest. I have a couple of questions. From what I've read and reasearched, it sounds like the ducklings will start hatching within the next week.
1. I've noticed her to be there every time I look - morning, noon and night. When does she eat? I've put some food & water near her but I can tell she hasn't touched it.
2. My hopes are to get mom and ducklings to a nearby habitat in the cemetery. How long should I keep the ducklings in a coop before transport? Will they be easy prey to crows, etc. if they are too small and young? Someone mentioned to me about placing the ducklings in a doghouse with straw - once the mom and all ducklings are in there, they can be transported. Open to ideas.
Thanks so much for any suggestions.

 

[Amiga]

She may not be eating much. Some ducks are like that. All you can do is offer it to her. She may not recognize it as food, by the way. Can you get mealworms?

Moving them may not be such a big favor. You don't know what predators exist at the other location, I would guess. It's a tough, tough bunch of choices. Yes, crows are dangerous for ducklings, or at least they can be.

I hope more folks can check in here with some ideas.