Can I allow Ducks to Hatch Their Eggs On My Boat

Question: A pair of Mallards have decided to start their brood on my pontoon.  I don't have a problem sharing the boat with them, but is this a realistic option?  Today I discovered seven eggs and a scattered nest (See pic).  From what I have read, they may lay up to five more eggs and then incubate them for up to 28 days,  I have no problem sharing the space with them, but is it possible for them to have their clutch?  The boat will be mostly docked for the next month.  However, this is my spot for fishing now that the gills are nesting.  I plan to set a short box in the boat and place the eggs in and allow the ducks to pursue their family.  Any suggestions as how to proceed?  I cannot give up my best blue gill fishing but am willing to be very accommodating to Daffy and his mate.

responder: Elliot Nelson Michigan Sea Grant Extension Educator Michigan State University Extension Phone/Cell: 906-322-0353 Email: elliotne@msu.edu | Web: miseagrant.umich.edu| msue.msu.edu  Address: Center for Freshwater Research and Education - 100 Salmon Run Way, Sault Ste. Marie, MI 49783  MSU is an affirmative-action, equal-opportunity employer, committed to achieving excellence through a diverse workforce and inclusive culture that encourages all people to reach their full potential. Michigan State University Extension programs and materials are open to all without regard to race, color, national origin, gender, gender identity, religion, age, height, weight, disability, political beliefs, sexual orientation, marital status, family status or veteran status. This information is for educational purposes only. Reference to commercial products or trade names does not imply endorsement by MSU Extension or bias against those not mentioned.    Replied May 16, 2023, 9:55 AM EDT
response: Sounds like you are quite logical in your approach to me. I can not say if this will be successful or not. If the mother is returning and sitting on the eggs, then it will only by a few weeks till they hatch and leave your boat. If you are taking the boat out the mallard may not stay on the nest, but I have seen tree swallow nests on a ferry and they do fine. It is hard to say for sure. If you are trying to keep as much distance as you can and are not disturbing the nest directly, then that sounds like a best approach. You can read up more on Mallards here: https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Mallard/lifehistory     For future years, if you like having the Mallards around but don't want them on your boat, you can try creating a nesting platform for them. There are plans outlined here: https://nestwatch.org/learn/all-about-birdhouses/birds/mallard/

responder: The Question Asker Replied May 17, 2023, 2:56 PM EDT
response: Yesterday I approached the boat and mama was on the eggs and exited. I counted eight eggs now.  I placed a one foot by one foot box with about sides about 3 inches tall lined with dried leaves in the boat and put the eggs in the  box / nest.  I was sure to cut holes in the bottom for drainage.  I fished for three hours on the docked boat (Gills were biting).  I checked in on the nest this afternoon and mama is on the eggs.  I didn't disturb her.  From what I have read, she will need to be on the eggs now for about 28 days.  Will be interesting to see her journey--I hope she will continue to tend the nest after my fishing visits.

responder: The Question Asker Replied May 17, 2023, 7:39 PM EDT
response: Yesterday I approached the boat and mama was on the eggs and exited. I counted eight eggs now.  I placed a one foot by one foot box with about sides about 3 inches tall lined with dried leaves in the boat and put the eggs in the  box / nest.  I was sure to cut holes in the bottom for drainage.  I fished for three hours on the docked boat (Gills were biting).  I checked in on the nest this afternoon and mama is on the eggs.  I didn't disturb her.  From what I have read, she will need to be on the eggs now for about 28 days.  Will be interesting to see her journey--I hope she will continue to tend the nest after my fishing visits.