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Mallard nesting

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From: Kirk Steinbruecker City: Bloomingdale, IL
We have a Mallard Hen that has decided to nest near out home, right by the front door. So far we have 8 eggs. Is it common for the hen to leave the nest after laying the egg? We see her in the AM, but she leaves and does not return until the following morning.
	Extension Message From: Laura Kammin Visiting Extension Specialist, Pollution Prevention Extension-Illinois-Indiana Sea Grant College Program lkammin@illinois.edu
Yes, this sounds like normal behavior. The hen won't stay on the nest until she has laid all of the eggs (8-12 is common). At that point she'll stay and start incubating. Is she still at the nest? Sometimes they will build a nest close to houses, driveways, etc. but then abandon the eggs.
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