In fact, our ducks prefer large wooden boxes filled with straw, but they aren’t very concerned about privacy or a dedicated nesting area and seem just as happy making a nest in a corner of their house in the straw. Reid Evan Thompson gave a good answer. Thinking about raising ducks? I found the nest whilst gardening - it is very well hidden and the mother duck came and sat on the nest quite quickly afterwards - I was … She is a wild bird and will be able to get her own food and water. Should I give her food and water? Ducks generally cover their eggs with down when they leave the nest and go for food. The most important thing to remember when feeding ducks is to make sure they have a lot of fresh water available at all times. I live in a residential area of town in Upper Michigan. If this is the case, try to discourage well-meaning folks from leaving foods that attract other birds and rodents, e.g., bread, nuts, seeds, and chips. 1 Response. the nest. What do ducks eat? Last week she was leaving the nest and crossing the street. A duck nesting box should be approximately 16” square, although in my experience ducks won’t necessarily use it. If she is wild you don't need to worry about food or water. DEAR JOAN: We have a mallard duck that made a nest with four eggs in our backyard. If a duck has a successful nest near your home, she is likely to try nesting there again next year. You should make food available to her during this time. Wiki User July 22, 2009 1:33PM. Care and Feeding of Pet Ducks. 3 – 20 weeks of age. You do not need to give her food or water. If not, a very shallow basin of water will be useful. But, if it was or is a situation that can lead to conflict or harm it is important to prevent these situations from happening again by taking steps to discourage nesting. It's her first time laying, and I'm not sure how careful I should be around her pen. Related Questions. Avoid chicken feed at this age as it is deficient in some of the nutrients that growing ducks need. Last week she was leaving the nest and crossing the street. Are Muscovy ducks likely to abandon a clutch of eggs? In fact, our ducks prefer large wooden boxes filled with straw, but they aren’t very concerned about privacy or a dedicated nesting area and seem just as happy making a nest in a corner of their house in the straw. Not sure which is right, I am continuing my research. Our female mallard only leaves her nest early in the morning. Insects, weeds, berries and more! No. By MorningChores Staff. This is a high nutrient feed with a protein level of around 18-20%. Mallards (Anas platyrhynchos) are sturdy dabbling ducks that are prevalent throughout the world. Pennsylvania. … If you'd like to you can always set some cracked corn or duck feed out for her, though there is a possibility that she may not eat it. Mallard Duck Nesting Habits By Naomi Millburn. These waterfowl are found in diverse location types, from swamps to tiny ponds in bustling public parks. Ducks are a really great option for a backyard flock, but duck house musts are a little different than chickens or other poultry. No. If this is the case, try to discourage well-meaning folks from leaving foods that attract other birds and rodents, e.g., bread, nuts, seeds, and chips. I have a mallard duck nesting in my yard. 3 reasons why you shouldn't feed bread to ducks Bread can have a foul effect on waterfowl, but other food in your pantry may fit the bill. Protein level for this food should be around 15%. Answer. Knowing what to do, and most importantly what not to do, with and around the nest is … In fact, our ducks prefer large wooden boxes filled with straw, but they aren’t very concerned about privacy or a dedicated nesting area and seem just as happy making a nest in a corner of their house in the straw. I was wondering the same thing in that I have a mother bird nested in the backyard. Soon, people all over the country will begin finding nesting birds. If you enjoyed it, you’re in luck! Last week, I noticed a wild duck (I think its a Mallard) wandering in my front yard and then found a nest with 11 eggs under a bush in a small flower garden in my front yard! Asked May 14, 2018, 9:59 AM EDT. Coffee999/iStock/Getty Images. You do not need to give her food or water. That is the biggest risk of nesting in a yard. Some breeds are specifically designed for egg production, others for meat production, and still others are ornamental.