Expert: Roger Lederer - 4/24/2009

Question
Dear Roger

I have seen some ducks (a male and a female)in my village and earlier today I was out trimming the lawn and the female came out of a bush in my yard then flown off. then I looked in the bush and there was a nest with ten eggs in it. I haven't seen the female in several hours. The area has been busy. The strange thing is that the isn't a body of water for a mile or so. What should I do and will the mom return its becoming dark.

Answer
Without knowing the exact situation, I simply cannot tell you what is going to happen. But here is some information. Ducks typically lay 10-20 or more eggs. Incubation only happens when all the eggs are laid. So if all the eggs have not been laid, it is ok for her to be off the nest for several hours. If she has begun incubating, then the eggs should not be without the mother for more than a few hours, depending on how warm the day is. In either case, there is no reason for the mom not to return unless she was hurt or eaten by a predator. There is nothing you should do. You should not take the eggs and try to care for them yourself - the mother can do a better job than us humans. If you don't see her for a couple of days and you are sure the nest has been abandoned, call a wildlife official or wildlife rehab center for advice. Thanks for your concern.