Predators Keep Getting Mallard Eggs

[PEONEAL]

Hi everyone,

We are at a loss therefore I thought I would check with you guys.

We live in Alabama, have a small pond and we have 5 mallard (4 female and 1 male). Over the past 2 months, we have had multiple nests of eggs. First we had 3 different nests with anywhere from 8 - 16 eggs. One nest we never saw a duck laying on and the other two had the mothers consistently nesting on. Then one day all the eggs were broken in 2 of the nests (one that the mother had been caring for and the other nest in which no one was tending). The one nest was still going strong.... and we were almost to the end (probably almost 25-30 days). We went out and all the eggs, shells etc. gone!

In the meantime 2 other nests had formed and a week later all the eggs/shells were gone.

We have no idea what to do. We wanted it to happen naturally with our mallards but are at a loss. Is this only thing left incubating them?

Thanks for any input!! Jenny

 

[Jpat]

So they are just out free range 24/7 with no shelter? Can you pickup any of the mothers?

mabye you could try and pickup the entire nest and all, put it in a safe place that u can shut every night and see if the mother will keep sitting on it, and keep food and water close to her. Of course if you have to chase her all around for a week to catch her it definitly wouldnt work

Otherwise make an incubator and get a brooder ready

Hooefully someone has experience here !

 

[DuckyDonna]

Hi everyone,

We are at a loss therefore I thought I would check with you guys.

We live in Alabama, have a small pond and we have 5 mallard (4 female and 1 male). Over the past 2 months, we have had multiple nests of eggs. First we had 3 different nests with anywhere from 8 - 16 eggs. One nest we never saw a duck laying on and the other two had the mothers consistently nesting on. Then one day all the eggs were broken in 2 of the nests (one that the mother had been caring for and the other nest in which no one was tending). The one nest was still going strong.... and we were almost to the end (probably almost 25-30 days). We went out and all the eggs, shells etc. gone!

In the meantime 2 other nests had formed and a week later all the eggs/shells were gone.

We have no idea what to do. We wanted it to happen naturally with our mallards but are at a loss. Is this only thing left incubating them?

Thanks for any input!! Jenny

I think you have answered your own question!

 

[PEONEAL]

Thank you for your replies. Yes, they are free range 24/7. We considered capturing them and putting in a shelter however we are unsure about doing so with all 4 ladies We are thinking incubation is the only way at this point.