Posted by Mary Meade on November 1, 2008

Q: We have 4 mallard ducks, and about October 8th, one duck (Eileen) started sitting on 12 eggs. Isn't this a strange time for a duck to start sitting on eggs? If my estimations are right these should not hatch till the first week in Nov. Is Eillen confused? Will I have to bring them all in the house?

State: Virginia

Habitat: forest/open woods

A: Well, you're right in being uncertain what is going on here. Wild Mallards do pair up over the winter but they don't begin laying eggs until late winter/early spring. My initial thought is that your birds are not entirely wild birds. Domestic birds like chickens and ducks are bred for certain qualities and their normal instincts can be "over rulled" at times. If you think about it, chickens lay eggs all year long - not a "normal" behavior!! Are your birds a mix of wild and domestic? Even if your birds have the typical wild Mallard colors (not white), they can still be domestic.

If your bird is actually sitting on eggs, I guess I'd let her continue and you may get some babies. Of course, once they hatch they'll need extra shelter from the cold. Mallards and domestic ducks (these are just domesticated Mallards) require from 26 to 30 for incubation. Best of luck to you and your birds.

John Wiessinger ( November 2, 2008)