A Mallard duck built a nest in the bush of my front yard. Four ducklings were hatched yesterday, and the mother duck and the four ducklings left their nest this morning. However, there are still two unhatched eggs in the nest. Will the mother duck come back to incubate these two eggs again?
If not, what should I do with them? Should I continue incubating until they are hatched? Also, why this mother duck only had a clutch of 6 eggs, while typically it should be around a dozen?
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If the mother duck has left with her ducklings and not returned in a couple of days, the eggs will probably not hatch. Sometimes, ducks aren't good at parenting, especially if this is the mother duck's first time raising little ones. Another possibility is that the mother duck knew that for a variety of reasons the other eggs weren't going to hatch.
Nature has given critters a "sixth sense" so to speak. Whether bird eggs not going to hatch, a deformed or sickly kitten or puppy, or any other species' young, the mother seems to know when her young are not going to make it. In the case of the duck walking away with ducklings that DID hatch, she knew the other eggs were bad, so deserted them.
Most likely the mother will not return but you cannot be sure so do not disturb (even touch) the area or eggs for at least another week just in case the mother returns.
You can always call or email the Wildlife Center for information about what to do.
Here is contact information:
Contact
(540) 942-9453
wildlife@wildlifecenter.org
These links offer information about how to handle situations like this and also has a YouTube video.
www.wildlifecenter.org/
www.thriftyfun.com/
The mother may come back to sit on the nest. Wait a few days. If she doesnt that means she was scared off. The eggs will not hatch. Leave them alone.
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