Duck wants to be mom, but...

[Kingbobkingdom]

I have a Rouen duck named Macky (Macaroni) and she really wants to be a mom. She makes nests in the yard while the male Donut escorts her there. My brother and I have seen her lovingly and tenderly sit on the nest and she looks very happy. But, it is winter here and very cold. Also, since it is winter, there is no abundant food except the feed and lettuce I give to the ducks. Furthermore, the predators lurking around are probably hungrier due to the fact that there are not a lot of baby animals this time of year. So, it's clearly not the best time to have ducklings (we can't keep them inside the house either). When we took the eggs away from the nest (not in their sight, of course), Macky usually makes one somewhere else. Yesterday, when we did it, the ducks stayed by the porch door and kept quacking their heads off. Is there any way I can kindly discourage her to hatch eggs right now and continue in the spring??
I appreciate the feedback!

 

[Miss Lydia]

Just keep taking up the eggs. Once it's spring and nice weather let her start again but put her eggs in their house so she takes the hint it's better to brood in there. Predators will find her outside.
I've had to do the same for my ducks, I don't think they realize it's not the best time to brood and hatch. But spring is just around the corner.

 

[Kingbobkingdom]

alright!