Call duck pair and nesting hen

[SammyBird]

I've been able to gain a general understanding of mallard drakes' behaviors in the wild and larger flocks when there is a nesting hen, but I am curious if different behaviors exist when there is only a single hen (and the specific breed is call duck).

Basically, I've been allowing my hen to keep her eggs and build up her nest. I've had lots of batches of chicks with a broody hen, but this is my first time with ducks. I must say, she certainly has put more effort into making her nest than any chicken of mine has and it's quite adorable. Anyways, though, I am curious what I can expect of the Drake and if he will be alright while his little lady friend is busy with the kids. The pair is normally fairly inseparable and still is when she goes out for her morning snacks. He's also been keeping guard (or at least that's how it seems), staying near her and her nest. He's also been bobbing his head a lot, though, and I'm not sure what his intentions are or if I may end up having to separate them for a bit.

Any advice would be greatly appreciated, thank you.

 

[sourland]

Some drakes are dangerous around ducklings, but in my experience drakes with a strong pair bond have also been good fathers. I would monitor the hatching and remove him if he appears to be aggressive to the ducklings. Good luck.

 

[Miss Lydia]

@MasterOfClucker has Calls and might shed personal advise on this.

 

[Isaac 0]

In my experience, most bantam breeds still retain much of there wild ancestors' instincts therefor males tend not to disturb or hurt the babies and are much better fathers then your common heavyweight breeds are. If he is already showing commitment to the female I would assume he'd be a good father, although its worth it to make sure he doesn't hurt them once they hatch.

Good luck with your hatch! I'd love to see some pictures of the couple when you have the chance.