I do separate the drake just before hatching. An attempt at mating at a bad time can leave eggs or ducklings squashed in the nest- But it really does depend on the individual pair. I just feel that a mother duck has enough to do with looking after her young to have to put up with the drake as well. Same goes for the ducklings themselves- some ducks are better mothers than others. Some mothers are fine to raise their own whereas others- and more often first time mothers - may need to have the ducklings removed for hand raising. Just make sure she has a well protected area - and monitor her to how she is coping when the ducklings do arrive. You may need to look at the water provisions- to ensure young ducklins cant get into a water container that is too deep or high sided for them to get out of again.
