Why Do Ducks Move Their Eggs? Reasons To Find Out!
One unique duck behavior is their nesting behavior. Sometimes, they go as far as moving and even burying their eggs. But how do they do it without damaging the eggs? Let’s learn more about the reasons behind this behavior and how they go about it.
Why do ducks move their eggs? They can do it for a variety of reasons. To save their eggs from predator attacks, they can do it sometimes. Actually, it depends on where they’re nesting. If the place is unsafe, they’ll move nests, where the eggs are moved meanwhile.
We’ll find out all the core things behind this behavior. You’ll also get a clear insight into how ducks move eggs and whether humans can intervene in such situations. So, keep on reading!
Table of Contents
2 Reasons Why Ducks Move Their Eggs
Ducks usually prefer to lay their eggs in a nest and incubate them in the same location. But why do they move their eggs?
- One primary reason is safety. Ducks are protective parents, and they’ll do everything to ensure the survival of their offspring. If they feel that the current nest is unsafe or threatened by predators, they might decide to move to a more suitable spot.
- Another reason for moving eggs can be environmental factors. If the nest is situated in a place that becomes unfavorable, ducks may relocate their eggs to a more suitable spot, for example, due to changes in weather, water levels, or other unforeseen circumstances.
How Do Ducks Relocate Eggs?
We already know why they think the eggs should be relocated. If the matter influences them to think so, they start to change the egg’s location.
How? They use their beaks and feet to pick the eggs one by one. It’s a delicate process, as they need to ensure the eggs remain intact. Here’s how they do it, in a nutshell.
Ducks are known for their careful nature. So they take great care when transporting their precious cargo.
They’ll often use their bills to cradle the eggs and their webbed feet to support and carry them. They will create a new nest if they confirm a new spot that is safer for them.
They will arrange the eggs within the nest, making sure they are safe and sound. This process might involve some trial and error as they find the ideal spot to protect their eggs from harm.
Can Humans Move a Bird Nest?
For the well-being of the birds and their eggs, it is generally advised not to interfere with a bird’s nest, especially during the nesting period. This includes duck nests.
Disturbing a bird’s nest can unnecessarily make the parent ducks frustrated and increase the risk of them abandoning their eggs. It’s essential to respect the natural instincts and behaviors of wildlife.
If you find a bird’s nest that has eggs in it, contact local wildlife authorities or organizations specializing in bird conversation. I’ll tell you, especially if you find it in a location that poses a threat to the birds or the eggs.
These experts can assess the situation and take appropriate actions to ensure the safety of the birds and their eggs.
Please do not do it alone, as it might go against the law enforcement.
Do Ducks Bury Their Eggs?
The reason is quite the same. They do it for the security mainly. There are creatures such as foxes and raccoons. They can steal the eggs to have dinner.
How Do They Burry?
Mother ducks, in general, take their egg-guarding job seriously. First, egg is important for them. When they have their first one, they don’t leave the egg out there. She makes a blanket of soil or leaves to bury the eggs, like a treasure.
As she lays more eggs, she stacks them up on the first one, creating a cozy underground nest. This is their way to save their eggs from being damaged somehow.
Why Do Ducks Burying Eggs?
The answer lies in its great impact. This clever strategy not only shields the eggs from prying eyes but also ensures a better chance of a successful hatch. By burying the eggs in this way, ducks can help all the eggs hatch at around the same time.
But there’s another benefit to this method. The female duck helps maintain a stable temperature for her eggs while the eggs are buried. The earth’s warmth can regulate the temperature of the buried eggs, ensuring that they stay right. I guess you understand how crucial it is for their development.
So, while it may seem unusual, it’s a way of looking out for the next generation of quackers for them.
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Bottom Line
I hope this article was helpful to you. You learned why the parents moved the eggs and buried them. The reasons are the same, but sometimes the serving purpose is different.
They change the egg location to save their future generation from predator attacks. But burying eggs has an even better impact. It ensures proper hatching, and they’re safe from wild animals. Besides, burying eggs ensures proper temperature for the hatching eggs as well.
Source and References:
- https://www.reconnectwithnature.org/news-events/the-buzz/do-not-interfere-with-duck-goose-nests/
- https://artisanfarmers.org/ducks-laying-eggs-in-random-places/
- https://pets-animals.blurtit.com/686057/we-found-an-egg-buried-in-our-garden-we-think-it-may-be-a-duck-egg-since-ducks-have-been
