Drake gone, only hen remains. What to do?

[Zach5Kline]

I've had two domesticated mallards for about 2 years. Both have their primary flight feathers partially clipped.

Yesterday while I was at work, the drake either found a way to fly/get out or something got him. There are no signs (feathers, blood, etc) that he was attacked and no signs that a gate was open, fence had open slats, etc. He is just gone without a trace.

I checked in with all the neighbors, drove around the surrounding areas, all the closest water sources and ponds, and posted in various social media channels. The only distinguishing characteristics are that he is slightly bigger than wild mallards and has one wing partially clipped, so finding a specific duck is very difficult.

Now my hen is all alone. It was heartbreaking hearing her call out looking for Chip this morning. She has a pile of eggs (many fertilized, I assume). She has had a companion for her entire life, and now that companion is gone.

What should I do? I would rather not get another male, it's too hard to replace Chip. I'm absolutely heartbroken and have no idea what to do. Any help is greatly appreciate

 

[DuckyDonna]

Get another grown drake which will be easier to find than a female for sure. Go on Craig's list.

I don't know where you are but Tractor Supply has lots of ducklings now so that's another option. Or maybe that's a bad idea since your duck is grown? I'm sure someone else will have more knowledge about that than me so let's just see what others say about that.

 

[sylviethecochin]

Is she setting the eggs? Let her hatch them. She'll soon have a bunch of little companions and be consoled. In the meantime, I'd get an adult female companion, if you can. No need to get a Mallard in particular; just about any breed will work (except muscovies.) If you get a drake, you'll have to try and get something her size, which may be harder to find. Also, if she does hatch the eggs, your duck/drake ratios will be even more thrown off. The more females to males, the better.

If you get new ducklings now, she might accept them, but I find that mallards are a bit unpredictable. Mine can be downright psychotic when brooding.

 

[Zach5Kline]

I can't keep the ducklings long term (live in a suburb of Boise, ID). So what are my long-term options? Keep a single duck, get rid of her, or necessary to get two?

 

[sylviethecochin]

I can't keep the ducklings long term (live in a suburb of Boise, ID). So what are my long-term options? Keep a single duck, get rid of her, or necessary to get two?

Just keep one or two of the ducklings.

 

[Zach5Kline]

The hen has officially been without her mate for over 24 hours. I am guessing the eggs are about a month or so from hatching.

It's heartbreaking - each morning and every time she isn't brooding she is calling for the male. Do I just deal with her doing this and wait for the eggs to hatch?

 

[sylviethecochin]

The hen has officially been without her mate for over 24 hours. I am guessing the eggs are about a month or so from hatching.

It's heartbreaking - each morning and every time she isn't brooding she is calling for the male. Do I just deal with her doing this and wait for the eggs to hatch?

The stress may prevent her from setting eggs. If she won't set, then you should either get her a friend, or find her a home with ducks.

 

[Zach5Kline]

Thanks so much for your quick response. I'll need to decide what will be best for her.

 

[sylviethecochin]

Thanks so much for your quick response. I'll need to decide what will be best for her.

Good luck. Have you checked craigslist?

 

[Zach5Kline]

There are Muscovy ducks available, but no Mallards on Craigslist.