Found orphaned duckling

[Rainadrina]

Hello thank you for adding me to this forum. Last week we found an abandoned duckling almost positive it’s a Muscovy. We live in Miami Florida. We are feeding him starter food. He is currently in a big plastic book in my daughters room. He is eating and seems happy enough but I don’t feel right keeping a duck in our house. The kids take him outside twice a day. Every time my daughter leaves the room he starts peeping very loudly. We have a Labrador dog that we are trying to keep away from him. Any advice. I’ve called animal rescues and no one will take him since the breed is not native and considered intrusive. Please help. My kids love him. I love him but I don’t feel we are doing him any good by keeping him in a box most of the day. Thank you so much

 

[humblehillsfarm]

Here's your advice: It's time to learn how to build a teeny pond or get a kiddy pool! It looks like you've got yourself a pet duck They love swimming in kiddy pools. They get lonely, so lil guy may need a friend

I'm pretty serious, but if you really can't keep the duck, post to craigslist and facebook marketplace. Look for 4-H and FFA groups locally. You will probably find someone to take the duck.

 

[Magnolia Ducks]

Also he will enjoy looking at himself in a little mirror and a small stuffed toy to cuddle

 

[Miss Lydia]

There is a Muscovy rescue in your area look up on line.

 

[Rainadrina]

Hello thanks for the reply! He has a stuffed animal and a mirror. Baby pool getting delivered today. He has imprinted on my daughter. Does that last only while they are babies. He gets hysterical when he is alone. So now either me or my son take turns babysitting. I don’t mind taking care of him for a while but don’t these ducks need to be on a farm or a lake. If I raise him till he grows and take him to a lake with more ducks will he adapt?

 

[Miss Lydia]

You’d be better off taking this duckling to the Muscovy rescue because imprinted duckling who haven’t been taught to forage and live in the wild usually don’t make it.

 

[Rainadrina]

There is a Muscovy rescue in your area look up on line.

I did contact Duck Haven and they are full. Not taking any more ducks. I think I’m more concerned of having a duck in a box most of the day. Is he really happy? Doesn’t he need other ducks and to be outdoors more. He is adorable and seems happy and eats like crazy. And makes sweet chirping noises.

 

[Miss Lydia]

That’s a shame they are full. He’d love to have a buddy but sure sounds like he’s happy an being cared for. Can you give him outdoor space that’s secure? Under a nice shade tree.That way he could have some out door time and sleep inside at night. Dog X pens are nice for that and some bird netting over top to protect from flying predators

 

[humblehillsfarm]

Hello thanks for the reply! He has a stuffed animal and a mirror. Baby pool getting delivered today. He has imprinted on my daughter. Does that last only while they are babies. He gets hysterical when he is alone. So now either me or my son take turns babysitting. I don’t mind taking care of him for a while but don’t these ducks need to be on a farm or a lake. If I raise him till he grows and take him to a lake with more ducks will he adapt?

He is a cutie. Yes he needs a friend. Decide quick if you want him or not, because if you want him he should have at least one friend, and a safe enclosure outdoors, preferably with a kiddie pond. Chicks and ducklings can be kept inside for 4-6 weeks before moved outside. He would probably appreciate a kitchen sink or bathtub with water to play in for a while if you don't mind a little poop. If you don't want him start advertising for a free duck and asking folks who have poultry, ducks, sell eggs, etc., if they want a duck. There will be someone who takes him! I am confident of that.

 

[Khaki mama]

I did contact Duck Haven and they are full. Not taking any more ducks. I think I’m more concerned of having a duck in a box most of the day. Is he really happy? Doesn’t he need other ducks and to be outdoors more. He is adorable and seems happy and eats like crazy. And makes sweet chirping noises.

I don't know how this happened but we actually had a Muscovy duckling walk into our yard one day. I believe the best brooder you can set up for a duckling is a kiddie pool with some wire around it. Some places you can put this when you have a heat lamp is in a barn or a garage. Just some kind of building where snakes hawks and all those predators wouldnt be able to get them. Good luck