Mallard hen gone...

[secuono]

Quote:
Yes! I quacked at her a long stern chat...hehe.
I even got the other ducks to lay in one nest box! They are doing great, every morning, same box, very nice.

 

[secuono]

The pen is 2ft tall hardware cloth and the 4ft tall 2x3in fencing. I have no idea how she is getting out, no other ducks can and she can't get back in. She can't fly over 1.5-2ft. They are all pretty scared to be out alone and stay right along the fence line if one does get out.
I guess her wanting to lay to hatch has made her iffy about realizing things will eat her.

Anyway, I don't know when she disappears, I know its after bedtime. So 7pm until 7am she could get back out. I have to go get hoof pics today, so I will wander the 4.5 acres again and try to find her, unless she is back with the others already.

 

[secuono]

She came back around 3pm!

 

[kuntrygirl]

Quote:
Boy oh boy. That little girl needs a good talking to. She has to be keeping those eggs warm and getting the ready for incubation.

 

[secuono]

Yep, she's all over the place. I haven't checked to see if she is mia this morning, lots to do before I leave for the swap in 25min. Plus it's dark and she is a stealth invisi-duck, lol.

 

[kuntrygirl]

Too bad you can't attach one of those mini cameras/tracking device on her and watch where she is going. That would be fun.

 

[duckielub]

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Ha! I knew you weren't going to get by without someone saying something about that!

BUT, at least you took the time to have the heart-to-heart "quack" with her!

I completely understand. My first ducks were mallards. I loved them SOOOOO much. I purposely didn't have their wings clipped because I just felt it was so unfair to them. And when they started to fly, they were incredibly beautiful. I felt like a momma whose daughters were getting married or something. I was so proud of them!!!

BUT, they were so hard to round up at night. I think it was just the wild in them, maybe. My husband and I would chase ducks sometimes for an hour before bedtime. I would get so mad at them, because the coyotes were out at that point, and I would say the same thing after an hour of chasingthem before bed, muddy from falling in the pond, etc. "Fine! Go ahead and get eaten! You should know better!".

They eventually left, one couple at a time until all four couples were gone. Broke my heart, but now, I've ducks that can't fly so I don't have worry about them coming in too much. It was entirely too much stress for me with the mallards flying.

I would be interested in knowing where your hen is flying off to also, but the possibilities are endless. I don't think I have the energy or patience for that!

 

[secuono]

She didn't come back today.

 

[Miss Lydia]

Well either she is now sitting full time or became someones supper. lets hope it's she is sitting. I would try my best to find her though and get her in a safe place.

 

[secuono]

Yea, I went looking at the back under the pine trees. Pulled a bunch of grass for the horses, but no duck. Will try the easement area and the hill tomorrow.