Disabled wild duck

[steph86]

Could do with some advise. Every year at our school, the same duck returns to have babies before leaving us again for the canal. Unfortunately this year, one of the baby ducks is disabled. Both legs don't work properly but baby still manages to scoot about on its belly, eats fine and swims fine in shallow water. This duck will obviously die when it is taken to the canal. My father is happy to take this duck and keep it in his garden as he has a small pond and I will happily buy a duck house to keep him safe overnight. Is this wise?

 

[GitaBooks]

I would certainly do it myself, but you have to keep in mind that taking in wildlife, even out of kindness, can be against the law in some areas. You could try taking it to a rehab center, but they sometimes just put disabled animals down.
Some disabilities can be fixed, such as spraddle leg, by putting a hobble on their legs for a little while.

Like I said, I would do it. Ducks do well in pairs, so you might want to get it a domestic duck friend to be with it.

Hope this helps. Best of luck!

 

[CrazyChickLady7]

Its better than seeing it and just leaving it to die. At least you are trying,and it probably has a better chance for survival.

 

[chiques chicks]

I'm sorry to say, in most states it is illegal. It could probably be done, but I wouldn't suggest it.

I know it's tough to see wildlife die, but unfortunately it is the cycle of life.

 

[CrazyChickLady7]

As far as they know you found it on Craigslist i couldn't just it there and let a baby duck die without trying to help

 

[GitaBooks]

You could try for a permit. Some people regularly keep disabled wildlife, ranging from foxes to owls, raccoons and opossums.

We've taken in a number of wild animals and helped them before releasing them back into the wild. It always feels so wonderful to know you gave them a second chance.

 

[CrazyChickLady7]

We had 6 baby opossums once they were just the sweetest

 

[Kimmyh51]

Hi does anyone know what the out ome of this was? It sounds like that duckling was similar to one I have

 

[Kimmyh51]

If steph86 is still active on these forums could u please message me?

 

[GitaBooks]

I would try starting a new post asking about how to help. This thread hasn't been active in a few years.
If you have an injured wild duck you could try a wildlife sanctuary.

Best of luck!