Wild duck couple on my pond - is it ok to feed them?

Personally I would not ! unless there is reynard  safe nesting area .

The Mallards have been spending their days here, but usually go home at night.  This evening I've just had to chase them away, because it's dusk and they were still here (I felt really mean )

They were on the pond - do they sleep while floating?  If so, are they safe from the fox - the pond's circular and about 3.2 metres diameter.

If the drake is present a nest with a full clutch of eggs is unlikely as the drake generally plays no part in the incubation.

As for asking the RSPB should i chase a bird away the answer will always be no !

If the duck does lay in a position where predation is likely you will be doing it no favours by following their advice !

In that case i would move the bird on ASAP.

If the eggs are predated she will learn from it for the next clutch.

Having seen film footage of a swimming badger wiping out most of an Avocet colonies chicks whilst the RSPB did nothing i am losing respect for their powers of judgement and basic common sense!

As these are wild birds personally I would do nothing. It is mans interference in nature that has done so much harm over the years. Whilst it is difficult to watch and worry the ducks probably know better than us anyway!

I agree entirely!

I was thrilled when today a pair of ducks landed on my pond. After they had gone I noticed a hole in the liner at the side just above water level  there's gratitude for you.

Whoa  -  will their claws go through butyl liner? My duck couple have become regulars and a couple of male mallards visit too.  Not too bad if the hole is above the water line, but there is a bit where they climb out via a shelf.

Still love um whatever they do - they've already decimated my water lilies.