Baby Mallard!

[DuckLover9138]

some random number that is arbitrarily decided by uncle sam

I like to see the government page of that the law that says the arbitrarily number rule. If it is a federal law, it will definitely be online. If it is there, then it would be illegal to release it in any of the 50 states and puerto rico. I have never heard of that law. If you can provide a link, it would be great. It would clear up a lot of misconceptions.

 

[thekid]

it is illegal to take any duck from the wild

 

[DuckLover9138]

We all agree it is illegal to take a duck from the wild. Yes, but it was rescued as a result of her daughter scaring the mother away. When the mother flew away, the status of the duckling went from "wild" to "abandoned/orphaned". You are allowed to help abandoned ducklings granted her daughter unintentionally scared the mom away. It feels like the catch-22 world, but rescuing/caring for an abandoned duckling is allowed. They did the right thing. You can't leave a duckling alone after its mom flew away in a place full of predators.

 

[desertdarlene]

Just an FYI: A lot of wild baby ducks die from hypothermia in the first few days, especially those in large broods. As they get bigger, the mom can't cover them all and some don't get enough heat. Most families usually end up with 5 or less in the end, if they're lucky.

 

[Parrotchick]

Many baby birds of many species have the fate of being "rescued" by well intended but ill informed people, adults included. Seldom are the babies orphaned or in true imminent trouble, and are often much worse off when humans intervene. It is not legal in the U.S. to have captive native wildlife except in certain exceptions which generally require permits. Even though you may be those most experienced person around in taking care of ducks, it is illegal in any state for you to keep this one. Contact a licensed wildlife sanctuary/rehabber and bring the duckling to the one you think will best meet its needs. Rebabbers everywhere are swamped at this time of the year, with baby everything that are orphaned, "rescued", etc.

Good luck!

 

[FireTigeris]

Quote:
So sweet, it seems to very from state to state but there does seem to exist 'a number'

I wasn't at a computer to do the research, but

http://www.wildlifedamagecontrol.net/helpingwildlife.php

http://www.animallaw.info/articles/arusfedwildhistory.htm

http://www.coloradocollege.edu/stateoftherockies/09ReportCard/FacultyOverview.pdf

http://www.pacificwildlife.org/info/Online Docs/wildlife_laws_summary.pdf

http://www.tn.gov/sos/rules/1660/1660-01/1660-01-18.pdf

but I still cannot seem to search directly for what I wanted... there IS a minimum and maximum, and then the states can pick from what I remember of my course in this, howvewr that was 7 years ago and my permits have expired and there might be newer legislation.

I figured she knew what she did was already illegal.

 

[CBLKim]

So ... I took the baby down to the lake and walked up and down the shore like a dufus (I cant believe how many people fish there in the morning) until I saw a momma with babies that looked the same age and she took it. I stayed there for almost an hour to make sure she didnt reject it and I believe it was hers!!!! When the baby herd her voice it got all excited and tried to get out of my hands for the first time. I appreciate all your help and information. I felt both relieved and heart broken when I left. So I hurried home and rolled the eggs in my incubator and then went out and visited my big birds. *heavy sigh* I do plan to go back and visit!

 

[desertdarlene]

That sounds good. I don't think she'll reject it, especially if it's the same age and size of her other ducklings and if she has a large brood. I've seen females steal each other's ducklings before. I have one female at our lake right now who is caring for several ducklings of all different ages.

 

[CBLKim]

She had three babies and two of them looked identical to her. She now has four and I feel good about having left it with her. I had brought dry clothes with me if I had to go out and rescue it. I am going back down in the morning to see if they are still together ... I wanted to tell everyone not to feed the ducks their old processed white bread but I didnt think I could do it nicely with my heart hanging off my sleeve. So I kept my big yap shut. It hurt.

 

[DuckLover9138]

I was wrong. You made the right decision. Just don't allow your kids to chase the mom in the future!