I accidentally scared a mother duck away from her ducklings. It's been about 45 minutes. Will she return?

Question

the ducklings are still sitting in the same spot as when she left.

Answer 1

Yep, her instincts will compel her to check up on her offspring after enough time to assure her that the crisis has resolved itself one way or another.

Most birds produce more offspring than can survive in a properly balanced environment so their survival behaviors favor the preservation of the hard to replace adult over the readily replaced offspring. Assuming they aren't built for fighting off the threat, or not crazy aggressive, like blue jays.

Answer 2

Stop worrying, of course she will return, she is probably watching you right now from somewhere nearby. Not only ducklings are left alone, but young rabbits etc are left for long periods of time while the mother feeds etc......

Answer 3

I don't know but you better make sure the ducklings don't get eaten. If the mother doesn't get back you should take care of the ducklings.

Answer 4

if the duckling stay put then i'm sure she will come back for them if they are hers.if not then their real mum will come get them or she may have died and its best to call a animal help line so they can take care of the ducklings. best not to worry though as you should wait atleast 24 hours before taking any action . im sure she will be back soon.she may be waiting for you to leave as she sees you as a threat. keep your self hidden so the mother and ducklings don.t get scared of you. unless you have to show your self to them don.t.

Answer 5

Are you sure whether it was the mother duck cos if you had chased a mother duck from its ducklings it will return to its duckling somehow in your absence or any others ......i think the ducklings are waiting for their mother's arrival......definitely it will return if its not predated ..........!

Answer 6

I've been around allot of ducks and have seen them get separated from the Mothers only to return to the scene later to find them all back together again. S o I say most likely yes.

Answer 7

Don't touch the ducklings and leave the area. Watch from a distance so your smell is no longer a threat.

Answer 8

Ummmm it's not always the best thing to do. there is a 60 percent chance she will return. Good thing u didn't touch them, because then she wouldn't return. If she doesn't return in a day or two and you don;t think she will, they are going to die, so since you are the reason for that you should try taking them in and raising them.

Answer 9

Go someplace where the Mom can't see you but you can see the babies and if possible try to stay around for awhile to protect them until she comes back. Poor little duckies.

Answer 10

how did you do that, because my friend and I were playing around and took a baby duck from the mother and see attacked us. maybe you should just watch them from afar, to watch for preators and if she doesn't come back then get them and put them in a box and take them to the SPCA.