Expert: Julia Booth - 4/25/2008

Question
Last week we noticed a mallard duck hanging around the front of our company, 3-4 days ago, we noticed 6-7 large eggs under a tree but haven't seen the mom. I would like to take them home and try to bring them life. Is that possible? whats the first step, also, how can I tell if its too late for them to hatch, (they died)?

would love to know the answers
julie

Answer
The mallard female doesn't usually leave the eggs once they've been laid. It's possible that something happened to her.

They could still be viable, depending on how cold it is where you live. They would have to be kept at around 101 degrees farenheit for incubation. It will take 28-35 days for them to hatch. They will continue to need heat for the first two weeks.

Any website that gives information on caring for domestic ducks will work for Mallards. All domestic breeds come from Mallards anyway, except the Muscovy.

There is one way of checking whether or not eggs are viable called "candling." I haven't much experience with this technique. It's normally used by people who raise poultry.

Here's a good site about that technique: http://shilala.homestead.com/candling.html

Good luck,

Julia