My female mallard has layed eggs in our flower beds. I have a small enclosed shelter (with a small opening) on the island of our pond but for some reason, she wants to use the flower bed instead of the shelter. I am afraid predators will get her and the eggs if she stays where she is in the flower bed. Plus, the males are hanging around and messing up the flower beds. If I move her to the shelter with the eggs (or put her in a cage with the eggs), will she sit on them or reject them now that I have touched them?
2007-03-15 04:06:29 · 16 answers · asked by ttfontenot 1 in Pets ➔ Birds
QUACK !
2007-03-15 04:08:12 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 4⤋
Let me tell u that i am no expert on ducks but i might have an idea. I dont think u should put her in a cage bc the the duck will fell nervouse. i think u should try moving them to shelter bc it is safer
if the duck doesnt like the eggs in the shelter then shell move them back to the flower and if she cant move them u can help her. be carefull and gentle if u do move the eggs and again im no expert on ducks but i dont want those eggs to die. i do know for a fact that the mother will reject the egg if your scent is on the egg so make sure to wear rubbr gloves if u move the eggs.
2007-03-15 04:15:28 · answer #2 · answered by mefsoccer_11 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It doesn't have anything to do with you touching the eggs.
She chose the spot SHE liked best for her eggs. I've moved a duck before, with eggs, and it worked out fine. But that's because I put her in a sealed up pen where she couldn't leave the eggs. She was broody, the eggs were there, she couldn't leave...
If the duck can leave, she will. And she'll find a new place to lay more eggs. So, best bet is to lock her in somewhere quiet and safe (with enough room for her to be comfortable).
When moving her, take as much of the original nest as possible. Make it as close to what she had as you can.
More than likely, she'll do what nature says and try to hatch her eggs.
2007-03-15 13:48:51 · answer #3 · answered by Theresa A 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Its a 50-50 chance. You have to take into consideration whether it is more important to take a the risk of loosing your duck to predators.If shes out in the open I would say to move her to a safe place, we have done this with our guineas and as long as she was with her nest she took care of it (a lot considering guineas are not #1 moms) There are several predators that could get her in the night out in the open..dogs, cats, raccoons, owls, hawks, opossums, snakes and probably some more (coyotes depending on where you live)
Also about smell.....we slipped duck eggs under a chicken before and she did not reject them at all. Smell didnt seem to bother her.
2007-03-15 04:38:55 · answer #4 · answered by Ashley 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think it depends on the duck. Typically my ducks build a nest and start laying where ever they like. Once they begin to brood, I move the duck and her eggs, complete with as much of the nest as I can manage into a smaller brooding cage. Usually the duck will protest for a little while, and then settle back on her eggs.
2007-03-15 14:11:08 · answer #5 · answered by PJJ 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you are careful to not break the nest and wear rubber gloves as to not leave a scent mom and eggs should be fine. Make sure the mother is watching while you move the nest. Nature will take it's course after that.
2007-03-15 04:12:39 · answer #6 · answered by staisil 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Watch her and see if she has started laying somewhere else. If she has, you can place the eggs under her, she might go to where you have moved them to. just don't rough the eggs around and turn them over each day until you place them under her. They need to stay in a cool place, the fridge is alright if you don't forget to turn them. If all else fails you can put her in a pen with a nest. as long as there is one egg in her nest she should go back to that spot. Good Luck.
2007-03-15 04:19:25 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
I did this once and the duck would have nothing to do with them after we moved them. It was a Muskovie Duck. I think this will happen with all birds. Not only did you tough the eggs but you moved her nest.
bob...
2007-03-15 04:16:12 · answer #8 · answered by speedbump 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
They haven't proven the theory that if you touch them, the mother will reject them. If you are concerned, then maybe you can make shift a fence to protect the nest and the mother. If not any of these suggestions, you can call animal control. They aren't as evil as some make them out to be. They are very humane. Good Luck!
2007-03-15 04:12:02 · answer #9 · answered by treasureyourself 4 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Yes
2007-03-15 04:08:46 · answer #10 · answered by ARSH 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
just do it...if she rejects the eggs just get them and try hatching them urself....i think u can find books on how to hatch eggs....hmm i think ur supposed to keep it warm like the mother would...just try it though
2007-03-15 04:10:42 · answer #11 · answered by Buttercup 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋