I'm just looking for some advice.
History: We recently picked up a new mallard duck and a unknown drake who needed rehoming. She is about 1.5 years old and laid an infertile, no drakes of mating age present at the time, clutch at her old home this past Spring. The duck has paired up with at least one of our mallard drakes, that I know of, could be more. Now she has begun laying and has moved her laying location each time we've collected the egg, at least twice now. We did not touch the egg today as I really do not want her find a more hidden spot to lay.
Now for my questions: If she lays again in the same spot is it a sign that she is going to nest? If it is, given the time of year and our location (North East PA) should I allow her to set? I have room for her and ducklings to come indoors if it gets too cold, but I honestly wasn't planning on this happening until Spring.
Any help will be appreciated.
Thanks!
History: We recently picked up a new mallard duck and a unknown drake who needed rehoming. She is about 1.5 years old and laid an infertile, no drakes of mating age present at the time, clutch at her old home this past Spring. The duck has paired up with at least one of our mallard drakes, that I know of, could be more. Now she has begun laying and has moved her laying location each time we've collected the egg, at least twice now. We did not touch the egg today as I really do not want her find a more hidden spot to lay.
Now for my questions: If she lays again in the same spot is it a sign that she is going to nest? If it is, given the time of year and our location (North East PA) should I allow her to set? I have room for her and ducklings to come indoors if it gets too cold, but I honestly wasn't planning on this happening until Spring.
Any help will be appreciated.
Thanks!
