Mandarin Ducks, Laying eggs...

[texascowboy1979]

So I found 1 egg in the nest... if she is starting to nest, when should she begin to brood the nest, meaning how many eggs should she lay and in what time period, before she broods...

Thanks mandarin friends.

 

[destinduck]

They can have 6-14 eggs. Older hens usually more on the higher end. It can be up to 2 weeks before she "sets". They lay 1 egg a day but sometimes skip a day or two. The babies fly at about 2 months old.

 

[chickenlisa]

I also found eggs in one of my Mandarin nest boxes. I felt at least 4 eggs a few days ago- I'm not going to check again for at least a few more days. I'm really hoping she (one of my girls) decides to set and hatch babies this year. I've had a female set for over 30 days each year for the past 2 years and no babies hatched. I checked her eggs afterwards and there were dead babies in some of them. So I hope this year is better! Good Luck!
Lisa

 

[destinduck]

Hopefully third time's the charm. The only two reasons I can think of for her not hatching is wildly fluctuating outside temps or too much inbreeding. Not the norm though. They are great moms.

 

[chickenlisa]

I hope so too! This year I only have 1 male in with 3 females and he's not related to them. Hope everyone knows what they're doing and we get some cute little hoppers out of them in a month or so. If not, I'll be looking to buy some more juveniles or adults this summer or fall!

 

[chickenlisa]

well, one of my Mandarin females is setting on at least 9 eggs. I saw her pop out of the nest early this am...was glad to see she's ok. I haven't seen her in a week and was worried, but didn't want to upset her by taking pics in the nestbox hole, or opening it up to check on her....not sure when day 1 was. Should I try to candle any of them or just let her go?
I'm just now making sure there aren't any little places a baby Mandarin could get out of the pen thru if/when any would hatch. Think I'll have to get some waterfowl crumbles in about 2 weeks just in case....

and set up the brooder box too in case I need to brood them (those maybe possible ducklings) indoors. I'm hoping to let the mother raise them if any hatch, but there are 3 females, 1 male, and 7 Aussie Spotted ducks in that pen now. Not sure if any of the others would bother ducklings.

 

[destinduck]

Let her go. Even if the babies hop out they will stay tight with the mom the first day. And if you are worried about the other ducks just put in some branches for cover. I had to do the manderin baby chase today matter of fact.

 

[chickenlisa]

ok- thanks. Here is one of the girls in some cover....

and another shot one evening a few weeks ago...

I'll add more along the ground too when it gets a little closer.

 

[KansasKid]

Quote:
Please tell me there is video,

 

[destinduck]

Should have been. And I lucked out and got half a dozen fulvous babies BEFORE they got out the box. Whew!Might be 9 total . Three are pipping in the bator.