[two webbed feet]

Hi everyone,

My runner, Dora, is still sitting on her nest despite 2 ducklings having hatched on Wednesday.  There are 3 eggs left in the nest which obviously haven't hatched - will she sit there until I take them away???  She's being very protective and giving me warning signs she doesn't want me to go near her and her babies (fair enough!!) so I don't want to make her do anything but I'm concerned she hasn't eaten or drunk enough (her, or the babies).  I have put food and water in her house but it doesn't really look touched.  Should I leave well alone and wait?

Jo

[Vember]

I'd get her out TWF, it's time them babies were eating
The ones that hatched here on weds were drinking Thursday am

It seems a bit of force is going to be required, she will panic and go for you but get those remaining eggs off her that's what's keeping her there


Sarah

[Kate and her Ducks]

I'd get her out too. I think 24 hours is enough and all of them need to get a bit of food and water in their bellies.

Shoo mum out gently and yes she will panic. Do what ever you can to not handle the ducklings as she will really panic then. I managed to get one of mine bitten by Mum as it had fallen in the pond so I picked it up to get it out. She charged at me bit me and then the duckling really hard and wouldn't let go. Seemed to be trying to pull it off me. Luckally they are really hardy and no harm done but really scared me!

[two webbed feet]

Ok, I've just been out and moved her off the nest.  She did go for me but she wasn't too bad.  Picked up the remaining eggs - one hadn't hatched at all and the other 2 had ducklings which were halfway out and died  - I'm really gutted - why does this happen?  I've left Dora and her babies but they just headed straight back into the house and didn't go near the food (probably too panicked).  Shall I shut off the house to make them stay outside???

Jo

[Kate and her Ducks]

I made Sally stay out for a little while and then let them back in after they has settled down outside a little. Then let them out again in the morning (they may need a little nudge again in the morning).

[Vember]

Yup I agree with Kate Leave them out for a little while.
Muffin took her two straight to the pond and she had a right good splash about before they all headed to the food dish


Sarah

[two webbed feet]

Just been out to check on the duckies and it looks like Dora's definitely been out - there's a massive smelly poo just outside the house!!  Looks like the crumb and water have been messed about with too so I'm hoping the babies have had some food and water now as well 

Thanks for all your advice - its great to have all you experts at the other end of the 'puter to help