Ducklings dying

[Wi_Pida]

What would cause Muscovy ducklings to suddenly die? I have 3 hens that hatched out 30 ducklings in total over the past 3 weeks. I know that the drake had killed the first 3 of the 12 because I caught him trying to kill a 4th. But now in the past 4 days, I’ve found 8 ducklings dead, 2 were found at the water’s edge and the 6 others on shore. They all were very healthy. I haven’t found any marks on them so I don’t believe it is a predator. I’ve found them at different times of the day too. Luna lost all 4 of her babies (2 was due to, Hughey, my drake), Chocolate has lost 8 of hersin 3 days and so far Lily’s 14 have been lucky.

Their habitat is a large pond on our property next to the house. I do have several chickens but the ducks pretty much stay in their area by the pond.

Any idea what could be causing them to die suddenly? I can do a necropsy on the last one but I don’t know what to look for at this point.
I’ve attached a couple pictures of their area and one batch them.

 

[Muscovy Wunda]

Did you seperate the drake or is he still with them?

 

[Wi_Pida]

Did you seperate the drake or is he still with them?

He’s locked up in the run away from them.

 

[Muscovy Wunda]

He’s locked up in the run away from them.

Okay I missed that part sorry. What are you feeding them? If they don't get enough niacin(vitamin b) they can just drop dead. I learnt that with first broody. Another thing is if the little piggys guts themselves on water thats too cold and go into shock. But given your location I don't think your pond water could be that cold

 

[Wi_Pida]

Okay I missed that part sorry. What are you feeding them? If they don't get enough niacin(vitamin b) they can just drop dead. I learnt that with first broody. Another thing is if the little piggys guts themselves on water thats too cold and go into shock. But given your location I don't think your pond water could be that cold

I have them on the 24% chick feed for ducks. But it seems that they’re getting more of the flock feed because that’s where their mommas are taking them to eat.

 

[HollowOfWisps]

My guess is the drake caused internal injuries on the others.

 

[Wi_Pida]

If they don't get enough niacin(vitamin b) they can just drop dead.

My guess is the drake caused internal injuries on the others.

Thank you for your help. I thought I would put out an update. I started the ducks and ducklings on pumpkin mixed in their food and that seems to have done most of the trick. I also caught a dang snapping turtle trying to drown a duckling and it left no marks. So I’ve been work on catching them, I’ve caught 5 snapping turtles so far. So the turtles did kill a couple of the ducklings. But the niacin did the trick. I haven’t lost a duckling since.