Missing duck - dead or nesting

[kodiakchicken]

My little blue swede hen has gone missing. We let them free range during the day and then put them in the coop at night. With our long days, they've (I have 2 hens) been staying out later and later, with us just having to give up and let them stay out a couple nights. Well, two nights ago they didn't show up so DH left them out. Yesterday Baby Blue was missing. We have searched the yard, the neighbor's yards, everywhere and can't find her. I don't know if she's been killed or is just nesting.

We lost one of our other ducks a couple months ago to an eagle, but the attack was right in our yard and the scene of the crime was pretty evident, feathers everywhere. We haven't found feathers anywhere this time and no crows or ravens circling anywhere.

I'm suspecting she's nesting, because in the last few weeks she's been staying on her nest in the coop later and later and a few times I've found her trying to cover herself up with straw, like she's hiding. Then, in the last week, we started getting only one duck egg a day, which is highly unusual.

Thoughts, anyone? I'm really hoping she's okay and will show up eventually. I don't have a drake, so her eggs won't hatch. Any ideas how long she'll be gone before she gives up on the eggs, if that's what's going on?

Thanks in advance.

 

[shelleyd2008]

I hope that she is nesting, but if so, you should really try to find her. Many ducks lose out when they are trying to protect their nest. If something hasn't gotten her already, chances are something will.

I don't know how long she will set before giving up, but please try to find her! You can always get some fertile duck eggs for her to sit, or a couple of ducklings.

 

[ChickBond 007]

I have had this exact situation over the past six weeks with two different mallard hens. One came home, one never did.

The one that came home endured a week of turmoltuous weather of 100 degree temps, violent thunderstorms, high winds, and hail. I think the heat got to her and she came home for water. I locked her in that night, and followed her to a nest of 11 mostly eaten eggs in the morning.

I try to pick up their eggs when I can to discourage the broody behavior.

 

[kodiakchicken]

Thanks to both of you. We have searched the yard and surrounding areas as thoroughly as we can. It wouldn't be hard to miss her though. We have incredibly dense undergrowth and shrubbery. We'll keep our eyes open though.

The good news is that we don't have near as many predators as those of you in the lower 48. If she's under dense brush then we don't have to worry about the eagles. The only other thing that could get her is a fox, a bear or maybe an otter.