Are my ducklings lost?

[mrsbradbury]

I have been monitoring two broody ducks. Little duck (a call duck) hatched 5 babies yesterday. She put them in one of two of ponds around 2 pm today. All appeared healthy and normal. I saw her late afternoon at the main barn to eat. This evening I cannot find her or the babies.

We are perimeter fenced, ducks are fully free range. Low predator risk due to to LSG dogs. We successfully hatched broody chicks in the past.

Do they go away at dusk? She is not at nesting site. Pond has heavy iris. We capped overflow, so I am confident that noone washed away. There are many hiding areas nearby, and dogs are only permitted loose attended since hatching.

 

[Miss Lydia]

Do you have snapping turtles if you can't find the ducklings then it's a big possibility they were eaten ducklings/duck is high on a snapping turtles menu I don't think mama would go off and leave her ducklings behind at the pond.

 

[mrsbradbury]

It is not impossible that there is a snapper, but we have coi. It is a small spring fed pond.I cannot find mama either.

 

[Brahma Chicken5000]

Maybe she is nestled in some tall grass with them. Look around and call her, shake a feed bucket or treat bag, etc.

 

[Miss Lydia]

Good idea about putting something she really likes in a can and shaking it.

 

[mrsbradbury]

How far will she go? We have so much grass, and hiding areas? Would she move day old ducklings down to the lower pond? I am waiting for a pic to upload.

 

[Lil Drake40]

Hard to say how far are these ponds from where she had them hatch? A tiny little call duckling probably can’t go very far yet they are so tiny

 

[Brahma Chicken5000]

@chickens really @ViolinPlayer123 can you guys help?

 

[mrsbradbury]

I found them... Her nest was very close to the upper pond. Less than 30 feet. The lower pond is an outdoor arena, walkway and patio away, and is actually a retention pond in front of the main barn. She must have moved them there this afternoon. I found them about a half hour ago. I know she has ducklings under her, because she showed me little butts. I just couldn't tell how many.

 

[Brahma Chicken5000]

I found them... Her nest was very close to the upper pond. Less than 30 feet. The lower pond is an outdoor arena, walkway and patio away, and is actually a retention pond in front of the main barn. She must have moved them there this afternoon. I found them about a half hour ago. I know she has ducklings under her, because she showed me little butts. I just couldn't tell how many.

I’m so happy that you found them all safe and sound.