Mama hatched a baby duck and I have questions

[donnavee]

Our BEI has been sitting on 3 call duck eggs for about a month - we didn't even think any were fertile. Just a while ago, I walked past the nest and heard little baby chirpy sounds - peaked in and there is a baby call duck. I know it hatched today because I looked at the eggs yesterday evening and all were in tack. It is so cute and now I'm rushing out to get some food.

Questions - Do I just let mama take care of showing it the food & water or should I help out?
Will she eventually give up on the other 2 eggs if they don't hatch soon?

We are going to move her to the peep grow out area in a couple of days so she and her duckling or ducklings will have more room and the other ducks won't bother them.

I'm so excited

. DH just ask me this morning how much longer I intended on letting her sit on the eggs and I said just a few more days.

I'll post pics soon.

 

[donnavee]

Anybody???? I sat some food & water outside of the nest but it doesn't look like she has brought her ducky out yet. I know they have stored yoke for a day or so, but I don't want the baby to be hungry???

 

[minihorse927]

Typically when she is done trying to hatch out eggs she will get up and leave the nest. The babies are good for at least 48hrs and as long as 72 hrs without food and water. I would wait and see what she does over the next couple days to see if she leaves the nest.
Have you candled the eggs and seen if you can see anything in them?
Congrats on the new baby! Can not wait till the pair I just got start having ducklings!!!
Momma will show him/her food and water.

 

[donnavee]

I tried candling a couple of times when she was off the nest eating & taking a swim, but had no luck. Too much light outside and was afraid to try going in the house with them. Plus, I have never really candled before - all this is new to me.

I'll try again if she does get off the nest.

Thanks, I'm headed out to look at the new family right now. I'm so excited, you would think I hatched the little baby!

 

[donnavee]

I tried candling a couple of times when she was off the nest eating & taking a swim, but had no luck. Too much light outside and was afraid to try going in the house with them. Plus, I have never really candled before - all this is new to me.

I'll try again if she does get off the nest.

Thanks, I'm headed out to look at the new family right now. I'm so excited, you would think I hatched the little baby!

 

[duckyfromoz]

If its too light to candle- hold the egg to your ear. You may be able to hear tapping if they are still alive in there. Hope there is still hope for the other two eggs.