Posted by Rosie
Hilda and her 3 ducklings |
Earlier this year Hilda, one of our Muscovy ducks, laid a clutch of eggs but sadly none hatched. It is possible the cold weather was to blame as they were all fertile but died early on in the eggs. She soon laid another clutch and this time she was successful, although still only managed 3 ducklings from 13 eggs. Investigation of the remaining eggs showed 2 with dead ducklings inside, one addled (so never fertile) and the others black, so most likely fertile but the embryos dying early on. This time cold could not be the culprit but possibly an infection was. She laid her eggs in a very dirty nest and although I did my best to clean it out, I may have already been too late.
yay hope for a good second hatch then :)
ReplyDeleteI'm keeping everything crossed!
ReplyDeleteCrossing fingers, toes, and eyes for you!
ReplyDeleteThis morning Matilda has 3 ducklings and I could see several other eggs pipping.
ReplyDelete