Need advice and info on care, feeding, and release methods for rescued Mallard 3 day old ducklings.

An old fellow on a bicycle came to my house yesterday, with 5 ducklings rescued from the middle of a road.  There was no mother around.  Neighborhood kids had directed him to my door.   I've done some research on feeding, but I want very much to prepare them for eventual release.  Of course, I know I can't just dump them in some pond when they get big.  Has any of you had experience in wild duck rescue?  I have them inside now, and have a 10 x 10 foot dog pen for them when they no longer  need an external heat source.  All advice welcomed!

Tags: animals, birds, ducklings, ducks, humane, rescue, vegan, vegetaarian, wildlife

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Permalink Reply by Andy Reid on May 5, 2012 at 4:14pm

Maybe this will help you out. http://www.birdcare.asn.au/pdf/ducks.pdf

Permalink Reply by Andy Reid on May 5, 2012 at 4:15pm

There are usually wildlife conservation centers you could bring them to. They would do initial care and eventual release, depending on where you live. If you live in the US, contact the nearest Department of Wildlife and Parks.

 

Permalink Reply by Lorryslorrys on May 9, 2012 at 9:29pm

They probably won't care. Mallards are cute, but they are as abundant in the wild as they are delicious.

Permalink Reply by Dogly on May 5, 2012 at 6:26pm

Thank you each and all!  Keep the good advice coming.  The little cuties are eating well and spent some time in the sunshine outside today.  I have them in a very large plastic storage crate, which is good for the first week.  About 90%F and no drafts.

Permalink Reply by Joan Denoo on May 9, 2012 at 3:36pm

Dogly, how are you and the ducks doing? What do you feed a wild duck? I read the first couple of pages of Andy's suggested article. Sounds manageable, if you have time and space. I'd love to see a photo of them.   

Permalink Reply by Steph S. on May 9, 2012 at 5:48pm

This is a great discussion. You could also post this in my Birds group if you'd like.

Andy already linked you to a great PDF.

Here is a link for Mallard care.

http://katihoza.home.comcast.net/~katihoza/

This is the link to my bird group .. I would love to have you join and tell us about your ducks and share pictures with the group. I love birds myself.
http://www.atheistnexus.org/group/birding-birders-and-all-things-birds

Permalink Reply by Dogly on May 10, 2012 at 9:48am

Thanks, Steph.  That is one of the sites I frantically googled, and read.  Also, my biggest worry - where to release them - is solved!  I've been offered a perfect, supervised setting with two large ponds.

Permalink Reply by Steph S. on May 10, 2012 at 10:07am
That's good to hear Dogly. All the best for you and your ducks!
Permalink Reply by Napoleon Bonaparte on May 9, 2012 at 6:54pm
Permalink Reply by Pat on May 9, 2012 at 7:03pm

Napoleon. I know you're going to catch shit for that post. But when I hit the link, I was on the floor laughing so hard, I almost choked.

Permalink Reply by Steph S. on May 9, 2012 at 7:27pm
Yes it was funny! Napoleon has a good sense of humor. I don't think Dogly will like it though; Dogly is a vegan.
Permalink Reply by Napoleon Bonaparte on May 9, 2012 at 8:50pm

I live on a river and the mallards are distant or away for much of the year. Every spring their behavior changes and they become more tolerant, less wary and seemingly friendly to humans and will stay in close proximity and make sounds.

Soon, there might be some little chickies here too.

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