sitting duck

[Cluny]

Hello there,

Im Cluny and new to this site. I live in the countryside 30 miles east of Edinburgh, not far from Aberlady Bay Bird Reserve but a bit more inland.

The countryside around here is teeming with wildlife which I'd like to share with you all.

In a really awkward place a mallard has laid 8 eggs only about 10 feet from my back door. My Jack Russell dog is determined to exterminate the whole nest plus the duck.

Have taken photos which I hope to post on this site.

Also - heard my first skylark on 28th march.

Hope to hear from some of you soon !

Cluny

[Gaza]

Hi Cluny
Welcome to the forum
I just noticed that no one has replied to you. I'm sure that some one would sooner or later. Theyer quite a chatty lot in here.

How are the duck and eggs doing ? Or shouldn't i ask ?

[david156]

Hi cluny.

Welcome to WAB.
Hope to see some pictures of the ducklings when they hatch.

David

[posie]

...Hi cluny, I too have a Mallard on eggs on the edge of my pond. She laid 12 eggs, but one got knocked into the pond(I think) when she did a rapid take-off..My Duck finished laying on 18th March, so presuming she started sitting then, they should be due to hatch about 18th April, though my domestic ducks only took 28 days to hatch their eggs , the books say 31 for Mallards.,praps that's 'up to 31', also they spend longer off the nest finding food than domestic ducks would with the food 'on a plate' so to speak.

Could you not 'fence' your little dog off the duck nest, as long as it was strong, firm and high to keep doggie out, duck would do a 'vertical take-off and landing' to get in and out of her little safe haven. Biggest problem will be when ducklings hatch, your poor little dog will get in a state, seeing all those ducklings dodging about, looking just like 'doggy toys' and just right for 'killing'....

There's not really an answer, is there, unless your dog would like to go on 'holiday' to a kind friend or relative. Well I really do sympathise, the duck eggs here are threatened by Crows, it's a fulltime job chasing them off., but luckily the pond area is fenced so my Staffie cross cannot get to the nest. I've got a Malanois (Belgian Shepherd) as well, but he's 'fluffies friendly'

Sorry I cannot solve your problem, but maybe someone will come in with a suggestion that will work for you...Just ignore the ones who say..'have the eggs for breakfast', they are just wind-up merchants....Posie..

[Cluny]

Thank you david, gaza and posie - re-assured me that there are people out there !

The monster dog is a rescued JRussel - we are its 6th home - persevering with it but did you know a JR can jump a 6ft fence?? Spent £400 on fencing on a dog we got for free, this animal gets walked at least 4 - 6 miles every day - has an enormous (fenced) garden to play in , toys, and is not left alone for any long periods. We are thinking of getting another one as company for it (we are MAD) our old dog died just before Christmas and think he really needs company. But enough of him! (we do love him)

You re-assured me Posy- re the duck leaving the eggs for long periods. I keep chucking dods of bread towards the nest when she goes off on one of her soirees. Where the daddy duck?

Other birds at the feeders I see every day - goldfinches, yellowhammers, woodpeckers, coal/blue tits, chaffinches, blackbirds (lots) and a lovely thrush.

Cheers!

Cluny.

[SuzieandFlo]

Hi Cluny
I live not very far from you . Aberlady Bay is about a 20-30 minute drive from me.
Welcome to WAB

[posie]

...Cluny, the bread...it is not really very good for ducks as it can swell up in them, and make them ill, and also it fills up the room in them, that should be filled with more suitable food .The other thing is that throwing it near the nest isn't a good idea as it can be seen by crows from above, and if they come down for the bread, they will find the eggs and eat them......Also she will need constant water in quite a large container, eg a bowl, as later on she will need to get in the water to wet her breast and tummy feathers, so that when she sits on the nest she gives the eggs what is called 'hatching moisture'.

Your little dog sounds lovely, how old is he, and what's his name? What a little character he is, and what a lucky boy he is to now have such a loving home. Have you had vet's advice on his food, 'cos sometimes adjusting the diet can help with excess energy, hyperactivity etc..Posie..

[aeshna5]

Once they've mated drakes generally have nothing to do with incubation/raising the young. O ccasionally I've seen a drake hang round but doesn't do anything.

I'd agree don't throw bread for her.