HELP! Mother Duck Killed- How long can Eggs Survive W/O Heat?

[ancona91]

Good Morning Kathy and Fellow Duck Lovers!!!
Yes....I think as long as they're not in the water for too long at a stretch and don't become chilled or water-logged, they should be fine. The swims may do them a world of good, especially the 2 youngest ones. The problems usually occur when they get stuck in a swimming pool and they can't get out.....they either catch a chill or simply tire and drown. You're doing a wonderful job, Kathy.....your whole family is!!!! I'm still ecstatic with the fact that all six babies hatched (epecially in an LG....they're not known to keep really constant temps)!!!! Hey Kathy, thanks for being their ever-alert Lifeguard!!!!
Kathy

 

[coloradochick]

Awww they're are soooo pretty! I love the little chocolate headed one. Does the different head color have anything to do with M/F? Great job Kathy!

 

[chickeepoo]

Thank you Kathy, and Good Morning here to all from Egg-guard turned Lifeguard/poop-checker! I have to go get another 8-pack of paper towels… I should have bought stock in Bounty, I guess. And Coloradochick, I honestly don't know what color the choco-ducky will be, but I don't think it has anything to do w/ M-F… Kathy thought "he" might be a chocolate, but we'll have to wait til he gets feathers (*sigh*- more waiting…

There is ONE Flicker pic online of muscovy ducklings when you google pics that shows them all the same dark brown w/ yellow chest- just doesn't tell what the parents look like!

Our Carlie dog has been on duckling duty, too- always watching, making sure the cats don't even APPROACH the closed bathroom door where the brooder is (it has a wire top also, but we keep the door closed to keep out drafts and feline visitors). One of them must have come around yesterday near the door in the hall, b/c I heard the quick scuffle and cat yowl as Carlie took a snap at the curiosity-seeker and put him on the run! Below is a pic of her watching over the babies during their pool time… (don't worry, I don't leave her alone with them either- it's just cute how protective she got over them! I think she has something besides that Lab-Chow mix in her that makes her act more farm-dog-like… she's always cutting and herding my grand-yorkie when he visits) Enjoy!~ Kathy

 

[chickeepoo]

It's been a week since ducklings started arriving, and all 6 are healthy, happy little peepers! They're growing like weeds and running from end to end of their brooder, ready to take on the world… Bring it on!

 

[ancona91]

Hello Kathy & Family and Everyone!!!
Those pics of Carlie guarding the ducklings are totally PRECIOUS!!!!! LOVE 'EM!!!! All six of them look so wonderful....healthy, happy and well-adjusted. They couldn't have chosen a better foster family(smart little things, aren't they....smile). OMG....they're already a week old....it's amazing how quickly time passes.....and how rapidly ducklings GROW!!!!
Keep up the excellent work!!!! And please keep those amazing pics coming!!!!! Thanks!!!!
Kathy

 

[Telamon]

Quote:
those ducks look so cute! they're lucky to have a parent like you!

 

[tink0602]

I am brand new to this forum and to duck eggs. I know this post is pretty old, but the same thing happened to one of our Muscovy ducks sometime during the night last night. I believe the mama duck - Sugar - was laying another egg or just starting to sit on them yesterday, and a raccoon got to her last night right in front of her nest. Our wild duck pets laid eggs in the same place in our pony stable last year, but we had no problems. There was an old piece of open fence in front of the nest, but apparently it didn't stop the raccoon. My kids were so excited to see her on the nest yesterday, and when they came in crying this morning my heart sank. I hear that we should have a pretty good chance incubating the eggs, because she hadn't really started the warming process yet. We are headed to get an incubator in the next few hours. I am trying to read everything I can, so that I can give these babies a good shot. I have seen a lot about what the temperature and humidity should be, as well as the need for turning, but I know that cleanliness is important as well. Should I do anything to the eggs before I put them in the incubator? The nest is pretty much sand, and one of the eggs I recovered from her body...it looks as if she was about to lay it, so it has a little blood and feather stuck to the side. How do I clean them up? or do I even need to? Any help would be appreciated. )