Move a broody Mallard or not?

[pinky67]

I have a Mallard who has been laying eggs in a little nest she built under a brush/log pile. She is free range during the day.Usually I put her and the drake away at night to keep them safe.Every night she is right there w her mate ready to be hearded in for the night. Last night she was nowhere to be found....went looking and that's when I found her on her nicely built nest. I couldn't reach her easily (I can if i need too) so I had to just let her stay out all night. My question is...should I move her to a safer location or leave her? We have racoon and possoms here. Also, if I do move her should I try to take the nest too? I was thinking a tote w hay or shavings? Anyone have any experience w this? Thank you!

 

[Miss Lydia]

I have a Mallard who has been laying eggs in a little nest she built under a brush/log pile. She is free range during the day.Usually I put her and the drake away at night to keep them safe.Every night she is right there w her mate ready to be hearded in for the night. Last night she was nowhere to be found....went looking and that's when I found her on her nicely built nest. I couldn't reach her easily (I can if i need too) so I had to just let her stay out all night. My question is...should I move her to a safer location or leave her? We have racoon and possoms here. Also, if I do move her should I try to take the nest too? I was thinking a tote w hay or shavings? Anyone have any experience w this? Thank you!

If she was mine I'd move her to keep her safe. and take the nest along, it may keep her sitting if you can close her up a few days. may not either but at least she'd be safe. if she breaks she'll try again so make her a nice quiet shelter inside where you keep them at night so she has privacy and maybe she'll lay the next clutch there.

 

[pinky67]

Thanks for your input. I've realized that I will have to move her tokeep her safe. I don't think she is going to be happy!

 

[Miss Lydia]

Thanks for your input. I've realized that I will have to move her tokeep her safe. I don't think she is going to be happy!

Probably not but thats why they have us, we can make best decisions for them, when broodys aren't in their right mind.