[northfifeduckling]

We just watched one of the broodies run off and eat one of the semi-developed eggs, feathered duckling and all  . Does anyone know why they do it? If the egg cracks before its time, if the duckling dies, if they are not hers? This is the first time that 2 broodies are sharing a nest each in separate houses, maybe nest rivalry? I do feed them, so that can‘t be the reason...

[doganjo]

Never heard of this before but can you separate them? Share out the eggs, but only give the offender a couple in case she does it to her own batch.

[Fleecewife]

It could well be that the chick had died so she is disposing of the egg before it smells.  That is what wild birds do, so as not to attract predators or contaminate the nest. So the telling time will be if she does it again, when it might be something you don't want like a habit, or the boredom of brooding getting to her.

[Richmond]

My geese do it. They get rid of any eggs they consider non viable.

It would be best if you separate the ducks so they each have their own nest and own house, which will avoid any squabbling over the babies when they hatch.

[macgro7]

It could well be that the chick had died so she is disposing of the egg before it smells.  That is what wild birds do, so as not to attract predators or contaminate the nest.

Exactly what I would have said!

What type of ducks are they?
If other than muscovy or wild mallard they may be just bad mothers - most ducks are not very good tbh.

[northfifeduckling]

Thanks, folks. They are mixed breed, and have never accepted being moved before, hard to say if separating would be useful as I only have housing for one maternity ward....

[macgro7]

Thanks, folks. They are mixed breed, and have never accepted being moved before, hard to say if separating would be useful as I only have housing for one maternity ward....

Can you put a divider/wall/piece of wood between them?