Nesting mallard

[Citrol]

I’m not sure. She layed an egg a day from 19-28 May and she’s been pretty consistent on the nest ever since. But this was the second time she has left for what I am thinking is too long. She’s been back since 5:30 this morning and hasn’t moved all day.

Also, honestly, I wouldn’t know what I am looking at.

 

[Miss Lydia]

Since she is wild and ducks have been laying and hatching a lot longer than us. I'd just leave it all alone. Other than protecting her from your dogs and others dogs. Hopefully she'll hatch some ducklings. Thanks for the update.

 

[Citrol]

Yes, thank you. I’m just trying to keep the dogs and predators away while she does her thing. I just got worried she left too long for the eggs to still be good. She’s such a beauty

 

[Miss Lydia]

And so well hidden. She may not have been finished laying was the reason she would come an go. Now she is done an incubation begins so 26-28 days

 

[quackiemama]

she is a really prety girl.

 

[Citrol]

And so well hidden. She may not have been finished laying was the reason she would come an go. Now she is done an incubation begins so 26-28 days

She laid her 9th and final egg on 28 May. She’s been sitting pretty consistently since then. Except for these two long periods (7 & 10 hrs). That’s why I got worried they cooled too much.

 

[Miss Lydia]

I’ve had chicken hens get off the nest to go eat an another hen will get in her nest an lay then the hens forgets to get back in the right nest sometimes eggs are cold and the chicks still hatch so there’s always hope.

 

[Pekin747]

I've had bird leave the nest for long periods of time and I dont get as good of results but I still get 40% and shes prob just not experienced if she comes back next year she will do much better

 

[Citrol]

I've had bird leave the nest for long periods of time and I dont get as good of results but I still get 40% and shes prob just not experienced if she comes back next year she will do much better

Great, I hope so! Thanks everyone for your input. I’ll update if any hatch (I’m thinking around 24 June)

 

[Citrol]

Well there you have it. Today was the day! Her final egg was laid on 28 May and 24 days later, here she is!