My ducklings just lost their mum :'(

[happyquacky]

Hi - I've never posted on here before but often check in for useful tips. I really need the advice of this wonderful community. My clever mummy duck (a Pekin called Jane) hatched 18 ducklings approx 4 weeks ago, 15 have survived and are doing well. Only a few days ago they stopped needing their Mum to cuddle up for warmth at night. She was incredibly protective, but I've noticed in recent days that she was a bit more at ease with people (especially me) being around the ducklings. Their Dad (a Runner called Bert) is a good dad but quite strict with the ducklings, he often chases them and nips at their necks when they get too close to food / his space, I sometimes feel he is jealous of the attention they get from their mum! However, sadly this evening I'm in shock as I just went to put them all away for the night and noticed that Jane had escaped through a tiny space in the fence (she was trying to get to a stream that lies beyond our garden - we've tried blocking her escape many times before!), Bert and the ducklings were staying close to her on the other side of the fence, as she struggled to try and find a way back to them. As I was figuring out how to get her back, my priority turned to getting the ducklings back into their pen. As I was doing that I heard a loud quack, I ran to see Jane being dragged away by a fox :'( I'm so very sad because she was such a good mother, and I'm really sad for the ducklings she's left behind.

All the ducklings are safe, though Bert is quite distraught. I've kept Bert and the ducklings in separate pens tonight. My question is, do I keep them separate from now on in? Will he try to attack / mate with them - there is no other female adult duck for him to mate with and he is quite young. How can I keep all 15 ducklings safe and ok now that their Mum has gone? I'm really at a loss on what to do, if you have any advice I would be grateful, especially if anyone else has had a similar experience.

 

[littlecollier]

I’m so sorry for your loss - I don’t have any advice but wanted to send love and sympathy during this difficult time.

 

[Soon2BChixMom]

Sorry for your loss.
I know the drake's previous behavior was normal, but I don't know what advice to give with the current situation.

 

[CrystaBub]

I'm so sorry - that is horrible.

 

[Lil Drake40]

The duckling should be spared the drakes attention for at least another month, as For their protection make sure their pen is very secure since your female escaped they may find the opening to.The fox will def be back. Very sorry for your loss

 

[harmonymw]

Oh my I’m so very sorry

 

[happyquacky]

So a little update - our drake seems to be taking on the protective role in looking after the ducklings, keeping them in line and they are keen to follow him wherever he goes. He insisted in following them into their pen for the night, staying outside of the house where they sleep and almost guarding it, pushing them into the house with his beak if they weren't inside or tried to come out the little door. I'm trusting him that he doesn't hurt them or worse try to mate with any of them! Fingers crossed for a safe night!!

 

[happyquacky]

They survived the night unharmed by their Dad!!

 

[Pugsabi]

I'm glad their dad stepped in to take care of them.

 

[stuka123]

Awww....so sorry for the poor mama. Did this happen during the day? That really worries me for my own.