Ducks sitting - babies dying

[TheStooges]

If you don’t mind, please advise.

I have a couple of white splash Swedish ducks sitting on eggs. They shared a nest at first, then decided to separate into two nests, side by side. The last week or so, we keep finding babies dead, that appear to have just hatched as they’re still wet. The first time it happened, we assumed it was the drake and put a cage around the nests. It’s still happening. They still have quite a few eggs under them and it would be nice to see a couple survive, but even if not… figure it out to correct it for next time.
Do you think one duck is killing the others babies? I can’t think what else it would be.
Should I move one nest and mama to another location? Will that ruin the chances of hatching at all? I would love to hear any suggestions!

Thank you!!

 

[Quacking ducks]

If you don’t mind, please advise.

I have a couple of white splash Swedish ducks sitting on eggs. They shared a nest at first, then decided to separate into two nests, side by side. The last week or so, we keep finding babies dead, that appear to have just hatched as they’re still wet. The first time it happened, we assumed it was the drake and put a cage around the nests. It’s still happening. They still have quite a few eggs under them and it would be nice to see a couple survive, but even if not… figure it out to correct it for next time.
Do you think one duck is killing the others babies? I can’t think what else it would be.
Should I move one nest and mama to another location? Will that ruin the chances of hatching at all? I would love to hear any suggestions!

Thank you!!

If it could be one of the mama’s, I would maybe put a temporary fence or wall between the two mama ducks and see if that helps.

I probably wouldn’t move a nest, because it could scar the mama and then she might return to it.

Are you planning on keeping the ducklings if they hatch?

 

[BlindLemonChicken]

I dont know about ducks but broody chickens will fight over chicks and kill them in the process.

 

[TheStooges]

If it could be one of the mama’s, I would maybe put a temporary fence or wall between the two mama ducks and see if that helps.

I probably wouldn’t move a nest, because it could scar the mama and then she might return to it.

Are you planning on keeping the ducklings if they hatch?

Yes, I would probably be keeping them. I will try this!

 

[TheStooges]

I dont know about ducks but broody chickens will fight over chicks and kill them in the process.

Good to know. I will assume that’s what’s happening. Crazy ladies!

 

[Wicked Storm]

If you don’t mind, please advise.

I have a couple of white splash Swedish ducks sitting on eggs. They shared a nest at first, then decided to separate into two nests, side by side. The last week or so, we keep finding babies dead, that appear to have just hatched as they’re still wet. The first time it happened, we assumed it was the drake and put a cage around the nests. It’s still happening. They still have quite a few eggs under them and it would be nice to see a couple survive, but even if not… figure it out to correct it for next time.
Do you think one duck is killing the others babies? I can’t think what else it would be.
Should I move one nest and mama to another location? Will that ruin the chances of hatching at all? I would love to hear any suggestions!

Thank you!!

Yeah as everybody said it sounds like one of the mamas. White splash Swedish aren’t the best mamas that I’ve seen, I’ve raised a few. If it happens after you try separating them set up a camera and see what’s going on