Drake gone, now just one hen left

[MallardMama19]

last night my husband forgot to put the ducks in, when he went out to their pen they were no where to be found, I assumed they found a place to bed down for the night which they have done before. However, this morning just then hen showed up in her pen, in they house was a single egg (my first duck egg, yeah). Still no sign of the drake as of now... she will occ. call for him. Now I’m worried, I know ducks are social birds, will she be okay this winter with just her? I do have a friend with have a friend with ducks that might be able to add her to her flock of various ducks.... looking for thoughts..... I feel like a poor duck mama....

Side note: back story, I started with 4 mallards early summer, 2 hens took off end of September, I clipped one wing of the drake and hen that were left the first week in October, 3 days ago the male was able to do short low flights. I have searched my property and have no signs of foul play... no loss of feathers, no signs of blood trails. They have gone missing prior to wings being clipped and come back two days later. Is it possible he was able to fly?? Is it normal for the drake to leave the hen??

 

[chrissynemetz]

I'm so sorry
It's possible he may return, or a predator could have gotten him.
If he doesn't come home I would either try to find the hen another couple of friends, or see about giving her to the person you mentioned with the existing flock.
Again, I'm sorry you're having to deal with this. Maybe he'll show back up

 

[Duck_life]

Yes if the drake is gone I suggest adding another to the flock, if the drake comes back then you're good, if he doesn't add to the flock or take it to the person you mentioned.

 

[MallardMama19]

I'm so sorry
It's possible he may return, or a predator could have gotten him.
If he doesn't come home I would either try to find the hen another couple of friends, or see about giving her to the person you mentioned with the existing flock.
Again, I'm sorry you're having to deal with this. Maybe he'll show back up

So with adding to the flock.... it’s the start of winter here in Minnesota... is it unreasonable to add a duckling? Or another adult. I don’t even know where I would find one at this moment.

 

[Miss Lydia]

If you add a duckling you'll still have one inside and one outside. So maybe look for an adult duck. Craigslist is a good place and Pet finder. Some animal shelters also take in poultry.
@thumper650 got all their ducks at a rescue or shelter I believe.

 

[chrissynemetz]

I agree with @Miss Lydia
I would try to find an adult. Craigslist might be a good bet. I've seen ducks on there several times.

 

[chrissynemetz]

You might also try looking on your state's thread on here, maybe someone near you might have some ducks available.

 

[MallardMama19]

If you add a duckling you'll still have one inside and one outside. So maybe look for an adult duck. Craigslist is a good place and Pet finder. Some animal shelters also take in poultry.
@thumper650 got all their ducks at a rescue or shelter I believe.

Thank you for this!! I’m currently in contact with a feed store that I purchased them from, waiting to hear back about ordering another adult.
.... if I do get another adult duck.... I’ll probably be posting about intergrating them in.

 

[thumper650]

Petfinder didn’t have any Ducks, a few chickens and lots of parrots!

As was mentioned, check your state thread.
I’m in a local chicken group on Facebook. Not a fan of FB, but it’s been good for finding local info.

 

[Miss Lydia]

If you could get a female that would be best or 1 of each drakes can be rough on just one female. I hope it works out and please remember to lock them up before dark. Predators are plentiful enough in warm weather but with most of us heading into winter prey is going to be more scarce and our ducks will look more an more delishous.