Mallard with nest near our house was killed...

[bilekbp]

Sorry if this isn't the right place to ask, but (what we believe was) a female mallard duck made her nest on our property and laid her last egg about two weeks ago. This morning we found her dead on the property (no sign of blood or trauma, no idea what did it) and her nest uncovered. Is there any way to save her eggs, or is it now hopeless? It has been getting down to about 55-50 degrees Fahrenheit here in northern California at night, at about 65-70 degrees in the day.

Thanks for any help you can provide!

 

[animalgirl2010]

I dont know alot about ducks but I guess you could take them and try and finish hatching them, But if she is wild mallard it may be illegal. Maybe someone else will know. good luck

 

[CANDLE98]

I would say do it! I am sure it wasn't a wild mallard, if it was than yes it would be illegal, so no it was a tame one!

 

[gabrielle1976]

yup it was a tame one you had on youre property , Fire up the bator and pop em in there or if you ahve a broody hen maybe she would sit on them and take care of them for you

 

[bearfeet3]

You'll need to build or buy an incubator. Google it!

http://www.duckhealth.com/hatcduck.html
http://www.duckeggs.com/hatching-eggs.html
http://www.metzerfarms.com/hatch.htm

 

[bearfeet3]

Heres a thread on building one

https://www.backyardchickens.com/forum/viewtopic.php?id=8510

 

[chicklady63]

I've heard of eggs still being okay and viable even after a temperature drop that is less than optimal for hatching. I would give it a try if I were you. Good luck on hatching your new pet mallard's ducklings!

 

[rufus]

Remember ducks take an extra week, and the eggs have to be kept moist.

Good Luck,

Rufus