The Duck Thread

[LittleBlu]

I have a mallard that has laid 11 egg in a nest in my shrubs. She has been sitting on her eggs for about 25+ days.
Yesterday morning I saw some of her eggs in the driveway. I went out to check. Some animal had gotten into her nest. One egg was completely cracked open and baby was gone. Second egg was half open baby was dead. Third egg has a small crack. I put gloves on and put the cracked egg back in the nest. I discarded the other two.
When she returned she was quacking for about 30 minutes in my driveway.she did not go back on her nest.
I gave not seen her back since.
Will she abandon the rest of her eggs? Should I remove the cracked egg?
I am so worried about these eggs. Please tell me what to do.
Thank you
Myuck40

That's terrible!! I'm not quite sure about how to handle it, but it could be the other animal smell on the cracked egg

 

[Miss Lydia]

I have a mallard that has laid 11 egg in a nest in my shrubs. She has been sitting on her eggs for about 25+ days.
Yesterday morning I saw some of her eggs in the driveway. I went out to check. Some animal had gotten into her nest. One egg was completely cracked open and baby was gone. Second egg was half open baby was dead. Third egg has a small crack. I put gloves on and put the cracked egg back in the nest. I discarded the other two.
When she returned she was quacking for about 30 minutes in my driveway.she did not go back on her nest.
I gave not seen her back since.
Will she abandon the rest of her eggs? Should I remove the cracked egg?
I am so worried about these eggs. Please tell me what to do.
Thank you
Myuck40

Hey and welcome to BYC, it's a miracle she wasn't killed and eaten along with her eggs. I know your worried about the eggs but she is most likely traumatized by what happened and barely escaped with her life, Please give her a safe place to nest so she and her eggs are secure and maybe you'll get some duckling and mama teaching them. The cracked egg if it had a duckling in it is probably dead but only way to know is to examine it. and you don't have to wear gloves, unless you just want too.

 

[LittleBlu]

Okay two quick questions because this is my first duck. Is his/her skin supposed to be black? And can I tell the breed/gender at 12 days. Oh wait one more thing. Their gland at the base of their tail, is it a think tuft of yellow fluf?;

 

[LittleBlu]

this is the fluf

 

[Miss Lydia]

Okay two quick questions because this is my first duck. Is his/her skin supposed to be black? And can I tell the breed/gender at 12 days. Oh wait one more thing. Their gland at the base of their tail, is it a think tuft of yellow fluf?;

The oil gland is what your seeing at base of tail, they use it to oil their feathers to keep them water repellent. What breed of duck is your duckling? only way to tell sex is by vent sexing and you really need to be careful or they can be injured.

 

[LittleBlu]

The oil gland is what your seeing at base of tail, they use it to oil their feathers to keep them water repellent. What breed of duck is your duckling? only way to tell sex is by vent sexing and you really need to be careful or they can be injured.

Okay whew I was worried because he/she kept nibbling and biting at it. It makes much more sense now. I'm not sure the breed I was asking if you could tell when they're 12 days old. I was told about that but I don't know anything about it so I'll just wait. Are there signs I should look for? Male female

 

[beccasue]

I need advice. I got 4 Campbell ducks 2 males an 2 females. 1 of the females is setting. I got 4 eggs that I see movement just below the air sack an one I can see just inside the shell. How long does the hatching process take. I'm getting nervous for my kids.

 

[Amiga]

Generally 28 days, but it varies some.

Are you protecting the not-sitting female from the two drakes?

 

[LittleBlu]

I posted a thread in emergencies but I needa a fast answer!! My duck has been just fine then all of a sudden she has red poop! Is it blood??

 

[LittleBlu]