Mallards In Park?

Question

I have tried to post this question on BBC but it wont work so I will ask it here instead:

How likely is it for 4 Baby Mallards to survive on their own without mother?

2 weeks ago I stopped by Moorpool, Harbourne,Birmingham and noticed 4 young chicks without mom, thought nothing of it.

I went way for a week and this Bank Holiday Monday/Tuesday I noticed the same 4 Babies much bigger BUT without mom.

Is this normal?

Answer 1

Dont worry  as always its easy  think mum has done a bunk, it happnes with most animals she will return when you may not be there, always let nature look after itself if you arn't sure, unless you are absolutly CERTAIN that things have gone wrong.  (goood  question bye the way)

Answer 2

YES, THEIR SURVIVING BY INSTINCT.

Answer 3

NOT NORMAL, PERHAPS SOMEONE IS HAND FEEDING THEM

Answer 4

They are probably self sufficient by now

Young Mallards can`t swim without getting oils on their feathers from the mother so they are obviously past this stage.

Mallard Ducks usually nest in March, though by autumn most have formed pairs. They use nests located on the ground, made from leaves, grass, and other vegetation and lined with feathers. Often, these nests may be located away from water. The eggs are usually a green color, ranging from olive green to blue green. Between 8 and 12 eggs are laid in an average clutch, and they require between 22 and 30 days of incubation by the hen, or female Mallard Duck, before they hatch. Normally drakes have little to do with the ducklings, and the female will lead them to the water once they have hatched. Usually the drake will have abandoned the family during the first week of incubation. The hatching of Mallard ducklings usually occurs between the end of March and July. By the time they are about two months old, the little Mallard Ducks begin to fly.

And ignore Terry Wogan.

They don`t taste like chicken !!