Author Topic: 2 down... (Read 1934 times)

northfifeduckling · « **on:** August 21, 2011, 10:04:26 am »

my broody duck was sitting on 10 eggs to hatch in a few days time. This morning I found an empty shell a few meters away from her nest. When I counted 2 eggs were gone. I suspect rats or crows. As she is sitting in such an awkward spot there is nothing I can do...I have the safe house ready for anything that hatches to move her into with but she would abandon the nest if I even tried to move her into it before. Just wanted to share as noone can help with it. I would have not let her sit outdoors as I don't want to lose her but OH decided that it was worth a go when I was away.

I just hope she will be ok if something now has found her nest, she's my favourite...

marigold · « **Reply #1 on:** August 21, 2011, 10:44:24 am »

Good luck - we have had similar difficulties with one of our ducks who insists on sitting on her eggs in the flower bed - let us know how she goes.

Sandy · « **Reply #2 on:** August 21, 2011, 12:20:03 pm »

Wild birds often nest in the most risky spots, sad but I often wonder if they are the less intellegant ones that do that, a bit like people who do silly things!!!!

doganjo · « **Reply #3 on:** August 21, 2011, 01:00:45 pm »

Quote from: northfifeduckling on August 21, 2011, 10:04:26 am

my broody duck was sitting on 10 eggs to hatch in a few days time. This morning I found an empty shell a few meters away from her nest. When I counted 2 eggs were gone. I suspect rats or crows. As she is sitting in such an awkward spot there is nothing I can do...I have the safe house ready for anything that hatches to move her into with but she would abandon the nest if I even tried to move her into it before. Just wanted to share as noone can help with it. I would have not let her sit outdoors as I don't want to lose her but OH decided that it was worth a go when I was away. I just hope she will be ok if something now has found her nest, she's my favourite...

Can't you get a dog cage and put it over her meantime?

northfifeduckling · « **Reply #4 on:** August 21, 2011, 01:56:47 pm »

less intelligent I don't know - I think ducks are just le,ss domesticated...all of mine try it during most of the season!
I tried caging one like you said last year, Annie and she went ballistic and abandoned the nest.
She is sitting under the upturned lid of an old sandpit, which is rested against some glass and filled with water - she does not mind the others having a bath right above her - often very noisy! Awkward spot - if I change anything she will notice, so not stupid!:&>

faith0504 · « **Reply #5 on:** August 22, 2011, 08:24:24 am »

fingers crossed they are all ok

northfifeduckling · « **Reply #6 on:** August 23, 2011, 10:11:11 am »

removed 3 more broken and sickeningly stinking eggs this morning. Not much hope the others are alive now, cross all fingers. Have to change my clothes now as I can't get the smell out of my nose! Hope it will be over soon either way and she'll back with the others at night