Hi and Help anyone please, duck problem!

[mtnchix]

Hi wondering if anyone can please help my duck she has been sitting eggs for 28-29 days yesterday she hatched two babies they look fine, however she hasn't shown them the food or water and she won't leave we nest, I disturbed her to see her nest and there are three eggs left one is all cracked looking and the other two look like regular eggs albeit a tad darker. I'm worried that the ducklings need food and water I placed small feeder and waterer in the box near her and them. I'm not sure if the eggs she's sitting on are good and she's being very protective even to the point where she was jumping at me, hissing and going bezerk and all I did was look. In the past when she first started sitting she tossed a few eggs out of her nest, which I took out and they were rotten. So I'm not sure if the ones she's still sitting on are good? Seems like she would know? But I'm concerned about the babies. Thanks for any help with this! She's a buff duck father was a harlequinn.

 

[Cindysid]

The babies will be fine for at least another 24 hours. they are still absorbing the yolk. She will take them to the food and water when she is ready, and she probably doesn't know if the remaining eggs are good or not. It can take up to 35 days to hatch ducks, sometimes longer.

 

[mtnchix]

What should I do if by tomorrow she hasn't left the nest? And thanks for the info

 

[Mountain Peeps]

Welcome to BYC! Please make yourself at home and we are here to help.

Yes ducks don't need to eat for several days since they are living off the yolk they absorbed while in the shell. Mama will take them out when they are ready. She may not take them out for up to a week so don't worry if they haven't come out by tomorrow.

Feel free to ask any other questions in our duck area https://www.backyardchickens.com/f/42/ducks

 

[Michael OShay]

Welcome to BYC! You've been given some good advice and a good link by Cindysid and Mountain Peeps. I'm a chicken person and don't know much about ducks (although I've had a few of them), but I have to admit that ducklings are the ultimate in cute. Good luck with your flock.

 

[TwoCrows]

Hello there and welcome to BYC!

Good luck with your ducks. Mountain Peeps has left you with the link to the ducks section.

Enjoy this new adventure you are on and welcome to our flock!

 

[Kelsie2290]

Hello and Welcome To BYC! X4 on try the Duck forum, good luck with the hatch.

 

[drumstick diva]

Luckily birds do not nurse their young, so anyone can show them where feed and water is (make sure dish is shallow - newly hatched babies can drown easily).

Just don't keep disturbing mama, trying to see under her. She may have a tantrum and stomp all over her chicks.

Maybe the cracked egg you saw was one that is pipping. The hatched babies will get restless and wander away from her, so would investigate what you put out to eat/drink. Chickens hens tap at the dish to show babies where to eat etc. I would suppose you could do that with ducklings also.

 

[Fancychooklady]

Momma ducks know just what to do , don't interfere unless you absolutely have to. For your enjoyment.

 

[gander007]