With first-time parents, anything is possible...could it be that the eggs were actually laid on the bank above and rolled down into the water? She may need you to place a board or some other kind of barrier to keep the eggs in place.

Also, sometimes predators such as crows or raccoons will place their food in water to soak it prior to eating...

Interesting problem, I've never heard of a duck actually laying their eggs in the water in a clutch like that. Anyone else...?

Velvet ~:>

It is a very common problem. Are they penned at nights? If so, make sure not to release them until at least two hours after daybreak, by which time the duck will almost certainly have laid - probably in a corner of the shed. If they are not shedded and they spend the night on the pond, then it sems she is just laying where she is rather than leave her companions. You probably need to pen them to get any eggs. Despite many years' exerience and a few hundred ducks, I have never had any success in getting ducks to lay in a box. Tens of thousands of hens yes, but ducks, no. It is likely to be the Rouen, because a pure mallard would not normally be laying eggs at this time of year. Old McDonald.

Thanks you for both replies so far. They have been extremely helpful.

Our ducks do this too. They are store bought mallard ducks and we think they are just stupid. We have been collecting eggs from the water for two years. But twice a year they do nest, not that any eggs or babies make it through the process. Had to get rid of our kakai campbell drake because he was not fertilizing the eggs and the nest eggs would explode on the hens. Go figure.

Every year I say no DUCKS, but the ponds looks soooo pretty with the ducks floating around.

Wow, this is really interesting! Ya learn something new every day... :)

Our ducks always nested in the open, they showed no interest in the chickens' nest boxes. But never laid eggs in the water!

Velvet ~:>