Ducklings ran off

[Lightning-Karma]

I usually just lurk here (love this forum) but this is my unfortunate first post.

I have 3 ducklings, 2 Swedish Blues and a Rouen. 5 weeks old. I let them in their outdoor area during the day when it's nice. Lo and behold, I went out to change their water and they're not there. I live on a main street with lots of cars, dogs and cats. I checked both my neighbors' yards, as I do admit there are some holes in the fencing there (I underestimated their ability to fit through small holes) and they're not there. Behind us is an empty field and I checked there to no avail. How far do you think they would go? Do I need to check my whole town? I don't live near any water, I have my own private little pond for them. Will they know where to go to come back? Been looking for them all day and I can't even hear them peeping. They are banded, but there is no info on their bands and I am scared someone will think they are wild ducks and drop them off at some pond far away. What are the odds of them surviving long enough for me to find them? Do I leave food all around the yard? I'm patching up the fence holes while I write this. Thanks!

 

[Miss Lydia]

Do you have a local radio station you might call them and ask if they can ask people to be on the look out and call you if they see them. Living on a busy street is not good I hope you find them. I don’t think they will be able to find their way home.

 

[Pollo Blanco]

I usually just lurk here (love this forum) but this is my unfortunate first post.

I have 3 ducklings, 2 Swedish Blues and a Rouen. 5 weeks old. I let them in their outdoor area during the day when it's nice. Lo and behold, I went out to change their water and they're not there. I live on a main street with lots of cars, dogs and cats. I checked both my neighbors' yards, as I do admit there are some holes in the fencing there (I underestimated their ability to fit through small holes) and they're not there. Behind us is an empty field and I checked there to no avail. How far do you think they would go? Do I need to check my whole town? I don't live near any water, I have my own private little pond for them. Will they know where to go to come back? Been looking for them all day and I can't even hear them peeping. They are banded, but there is no info on their bands and I am scared someone will think they are wild ducks and drop them off at some pond far away. What are the odds of them surviving long enough for me to find them? Do I leave food all around the yard? I'm patching up the fence holes while I write this. Thanks!

My Runners typically don't roam that far but I have a few acres and they don't venture that far into the wooded acre.

I'd be inclined to leave the holes open so that they can return, but I can only imagine how desperate you feel right now.

 

[cheezenkwackers]

Do you have a neighborhood Facebook page or a “Nextdoor” local group? I would post on those. Last resort, l would put up signs.

 

[Jenbirdee]

Do all of the suggestions above. radio, facebook, post signs, and leave an opening in the fence (repair it later after they are back) and prayers!

 

[Chicalina]

Is it possible that someone stole them?

 

[Canadian Wind]

Is it possible that someone stole them?

I'd be more worried about a predator having gotten them...

 

[Chicalina]

I hope you find them soon. Chances are they will have stuck together.

 

[Pollo Blanco]

I'd be more worried about a predator having gotten them...

Unlikely that one predator took three birds without some sort of melee.

 

[Evadig]

I'm so sorry! I will say a prayer that you find them!