Duck Eggs - Ask Extension
A duck has laid eggs in our yard. Unfortunately, it is close to the sidewalk. We haven't see her or the male bird for two days. What can we do or w...
Knowledgebase
Duck Eggs #867688
Asked May 09, 2024, 9:22 AM EDT
A duck has laid eggs in our yard. Unfortunately, it is close to the sidewalk. We haven't see her or the male bird for two days. What can we do or who can we call to protect the eggs and hopefully let them hatch.
Franklin County Ohio
Expert Response
Hello and thank you for reaching out to OSU Extension for research-based information regarding the abandoned duck eggs on your property.
Once she has begun incubating them she will still leave the nest for up to an hour 1–2 times most days and this will not harm the developing eggs. But any extended absence more than a few hours once incubation has begun will likely be fatal to the developing embryos.
You can contact the Ohio Department of Natural Resources Division of Wildlife Customer Service at 1-800-WILDLIFE (945-3543) or <personal data hidden>. Their business hours are Monday - Friday 8AM - 5PM EST.
Additionally, I found the Ohio Wildlife Center that you could contact. https://www.ohiowildlifecenter.org/contact-us/ as well as
I hope that this information will assist you.
Kind regards,
Teresa
Once she has begun incubating them she will still leave the nest for up to an hour 1–2 times most days and this will not harm the developing eggs. But any extended absence more than a few hours once incubation has begun will likely be fatal to the developing embryos.
You can contact the Ohio Department of Natural Resources Division of Wildlife Customer Service at 1-800-WILDLIFE (945-3543) or <personal data hidden>. Their business hours are Monday - Friday 8AM - 5PM EST.
Additionally, I found the Ohio Wildlife Center that you could contact. https://www.ohiowildlifecenter.org/contact-us/ as well as
Mid Ohio Waterfowl Rescue
I hope that this information will assist you.
Kind regards,
Teresa
