Missing Duck eggs

[purpleducky]

My female Muscovy (has never been a mother) has currently been sitting on her 6 eggs for about 30-35 days now and one of them was looking as if it was soon to hatch. I decided to close up the whole coop, as last time we had trouble and lost all her eggs(they were stolen without any trace). I checked yesterday and everything was there. Today I had another look and I realised that one was missing, this just happened to be the one that looked like it was going to hatch. I did a massive search to see if I could find them and I was unable to find it. I also looked for any entrances that predators may have come through, I didn't find anything. No shells were found either. I have done some research but the only animals that would be able to get to the eggs and eat them whole would have left an entrance and exit point. its also hibernation season where I live. Does anyone have any ideas of what may have happened? or any ideas on what to do? I would just really like some baby ducks and have never been able too.

 

[sourland]

My first thought is that it was a snake, but if it is cold that is not a possibility. Rats will steal eggs and can enter through a very small hole.

 

[purpleducky]

Yeah Thanks, I have had a problem with them as they were eating my duck food. I will continue looking out for them.