dead duckling, I need advise

[duey thompson]

My duck hatched six ducklings a week and a half ago. They were doing fine. The mother is very, very protective[she was even aggresive toward me}. They were swimming in the pond fine and could get in and out okay as long as I kept it topped off. Today, I found one duckling dead, floating in the pond. It was topped off so she should have been able to get out. There are two grown chickens in the coop but I have seen no conflict there. As I said, the mother is very protective. What do you think? Did she just drown? Could the chickens have something to do with it? I could move them, no problem. Should I drain the pool until they get a little bigger, and just give them drinking water? I am feeling guilty, like I am doing something wrong. Oh, also, there were no marks or abrasions on the little duckling. Just floating in the water, dead. Any, advise will be much appreciated!! dewdrop

 

[agregg15]

I'm so sorry for your loss.

I honestly don't know how the duckling could have died other than the fact that sometimes when they're born they seem fine, but there is stuff inside that's not right. Again I'm so sorry for your loss.

 

[Mrs. Turbo]

I would make a ramp out of hardware cloth or put rocks in there so the ducklings can get their footing. Even with it being topped off they can have trouble getting out..... ducks can drown when then get water logged.

 

[dewey]

Dewdrop, I PM'd you back. I'm very sorry about your duckling.

 

[duey thompson]

thanks for all you guys support. I will do more on the pond to make it safer ie. ramps and rocks for footing. the other ducks look fine, so I guess I can sleep tonight. thanks again. dewdrop