How long can it take from the first egg in the nest to hatch to the last one?

[TeachHatch]

The momma duck is sitting on a nest of 14 eggs. Two of the eggs hatched 2 days ago, but there seem to be nothing going on with the other 12. The momma duck is VERY protective of the eggs and is still sitting on them. She wouldn't even leave the nest when we were picking up the new babies. The 2 ducklings are healthy and stay mostly tucked up with the momma. No eggs have been kicked out. Is it possible that the other eggs may still hatch? Will the momma duck give up on the eggs if they are no longer viable? Should the eggs be candled?

Thanks for any answers!!

 

[gamebirdsonly]

I would candle them just to make sure that their still good.

 

[TeachHatch]

Would the momma duck keep sitting on them if they are all quitters?

 

[cskotek]

Would you happen to know if she had a delay in laying after the first 2. I know i watched a wildlife camera on a blue heron and it laid 3 of its eggs pretty promptly and then the last one it was a day or 2 behind and thats what caused the delay.

 

[sherrik9]

I had 2 ducklings that were 4 days ahead of the other 5. I think that one of the ducks took over a nest from another duck.

 

[cskotek]

I had 2 ducklings that were 4 days ahead of the other 5. I think that one of the ducks took over a nest from another duck.

Its possible.