Advice on re-homing a Mallard

[SandySwear]

Hello everyone,

Without sharing the long back story...

My family rescued and hatched a Mallard duck egg that was left on our pool deck. When we originally took this on, we had no plan to keep him (we think he is a drake) as we live in a suburb and do not have the land and set up that we believe he deserves. We did have a plan in place for him when he was old enough to leave us, but that plan has since fallen through for a number of reasons. Now, we find ourselves having a very difficult time finding him the best home. His name is Lucky, he will be 11 weeks old tomorrow, he is very well taken care of, and is healthy and strong. While we live on less than half an acre, he is out in the yard at least a few times a day to forage and enjoy the outdoors. He is also able to take regular swims, and is becoming a strong flier. We all (me, my husband and two daughters) love him very much and want the very best for him. In our minds, that would be a place with more land than we have, where he can be out during the day, but protected at night, can be around other ducks, and has someone looking out for him (food, shelter, and love). We live in Southwest Florida, but are willing to take him outside that area if needed. I know there are many here in this forum who have Mallards, and was hoping someone might have some advice, or even a recommendation on places/people to contact. Thank you so much in advance!

 

[nchls school]

Should no one be able to give him a home. If there's a park near that has ducks you could release him there. Any wildlife refuge nearby? Most humane societies will take birds. If you were closer I'd want him as I do have a small flock of ducks. Good luck finding him a great home.

 

[SandySwear]

Should no one be able to give him a home. If there's a park near that has ducks you could release him there. Any wildlife refuge nearby? Most humane societies will take birds. If you were closer I'd want him as I do have a small flock of ducks. Good luck finding him a great home.

Thank you so much!

 

[SandySwear]

Thank you so much!

Should no one be able to give him a home. If there's a park near that has ducks you could release him there. Any wildlife refuge nearby? Most humane societies will take birds. If you were closer I'd want him as I do have a small flock of ducks. Good luck finding him a great home.

Hi!
I know it’s been awhile since I posted this. Thank you, again, for your previous reply. I am reaching out to see if you are still interested in adding to your flock. We are still trying to find Lucky a great home, and doing so in Florida is proving to be very difficult. Apparently, in Florida, Mallards are considered a “nuisance species”. This means that rescues can’t take him, and most wildlife places we called told us that he would likely be euthanized. We will not let that happen. This appears to be a problem only in Florida. It is so important to us that he has a good home and life, and we are willing to travel with him outside of Florida to make that happen. He is 16 weeks old as of yesterday. We are still thinking he’s a male. He’s funny and sweet, and adores our two daughters. Please let me know if you are still interested or if you know anyone who might be. I’m going to create a new post in this forum as well.
Thank you!!!

 

[SandySwear]

Hi!
I know it’s been awhile since I posted this. Thank you, again, for your previous reply. I am reaching out to see if you are still interested in adding to your flock. We are still trying to find Lucky a great home, and doing so in Florida is proving to be very difficult. Apparently, in Florida, Mallards are considered a “nuisance species”. This means that rescues can’t take him, and most wildlife places we called told us that he would likely be euthanized. We will not let that happen. This appears to be a problem only in Florida. It is so important to us that he has a good home and life, and we are willing to travel with him outside of Florida to make that happen. He is 16 weeks old as of yesterday. We are still thinking he’s a male. He’s funny and sweet, and adores our two daughters. Please let me know if you are still interested or if you know anyone who might be. I’m going to create a new post in this forum as well.
Thank you!!!

 

[Zen Wildlife Rescuer]

Awww, he is so adorable! Maybe I’m wrong but your yard looks big enough for him in the photos. Is there no way you could possibly get one more duck to keep him company and keep him? He looks like he is really comfortable with you guys! If not I really hope you get him a good home soon!

 

[DrVeghead]

@SandySwear, how good of you to seek a fun ducky life for Lucky!

Be prepared that if rehomed, he might need some time to adjust. At separate times this spring, my family took in two lone ducklings to join our backyard flock in Texas. Each was about 3 weeks old. One joined the other ducks immediately, and the other needed several days. They probably need more transition the longer they have been alone (i.e. not with other ducks) and have been handled by humans.

How much does he fly? I read that some like to fly off and return for occasional treats!

The Florida thread may have additional thoughts and resources:
https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/florida-always-sunny-side-up.305793/

Good luck!

 

[nchls school]

Hi!
I know it’s been awhile since I posted this. Thank you, again, for your previous reply. I am reaching out to see if you are still interested in adding to your flock. We are still trying to find Lucky a great home, and doing so in Florida is proving to be very difficult. Apparently, in Florida, Mallards are considered a “nuisance species”. This means that rescues can’t take him, and most wildlife places we called told us that he would likely be euthanized. We will not let that happen. This appears to be a problem only in Florida. It is so important to us that he has a good home and life, and we are willing to travel with him outside of Florida to make that happen. He is 16 weeks old as of yesterday. We are still thinking he’s a male. He’s funny and sweet, and adores our two daughters. Please let me know if you are still interested or if you know anyone who might be. I’m going to create a new post in this forum as well.
Thank you!!!

Yes, I would love to have him, BUT I am in Tennessee and shipping costs have gone sky-high and are unreliable.

 

[Chicalina]

I have raised wild mallards before. They all eventually left home of their own accord to live in the wild when they matured. Some came back for visits for a while. It wasn't all at once, just on and off over a few months after they first stretched their wings. I had 12 of them!

I would keep him outside, no more sofa snuggles. provide shelter but not a locked in coop. Don't clip his wings. Start reducing his food so he needs to go looking for some. He needs other ducks so when he reaches sexual maturity (about nowish or very soon) then he will probably go off looking for females anyway. You need to dehumanise him a bit too to help him survive.

He is a wild bird in his genes, not a domesticated one. He needs to be wild to thrive and not kept as a pet. I wouldn't try to restrain him or rehome him because of that.

 

[SandySwear]

Yes, I would love to have him, BUT I am in Tennessee and shipping costs have gone sky-high and are unreliable.

Yes, I would love to have him, BUT I am in Tennessee and shipping costs have gone sky-high and are unreliable.

Hi! Thank you so much for your reply. Where in Tennessee are you? If you are seriously considering this, we have family in North Carolina, and are willing to take a road trip for the right home.