Found Young Duck. HELP PLEASE

[Lilalienangel]

So I was in my yard and noticed a duck.. We have tons of wild ducks around here so I didn't think much of it at first. Then I noticed how small it is.. Then I noticed the crest coming off its head. This was no wild duck. So I caught it. I am trying to figure out where it came from but it needs care in the meantime. I have grower chicken feed. Will that work? Can anyone tell me the breed or sex of this duck; maybe an approximate age? How can I make it comfortable until I find it's flock?

 

[Magnolia Ducks]

That's a juvenile wood duck. He is wild, I'm surprised you were able to catch him.

 

[Isaac 0]

Male Wood Duck possibly over a year, are you aware that it's illegal to keep a wild duck without a license under the migratory bird treaty act? If he let you pick him up quite easily, the bird may be very ill. I'd contact your local rehab center.

 

[hmarg06]

That is a Wood Duck, you didn't mention anywhere where you are from, but in the United States, they are a native, wild duck. You should let this one go. If you're worried he may be ill or injured, see if any rehab centers are in your area and take him there.

 

[BigBlueHen53]

Your local Parks & Rec person should be able to help you.

 

[Magnolia Ducks]

Or wildlife rehab organization.

 

[Lilalienangel]

Ok. Thank you. I had no clue. I had no intentions of keeping it. I'll try to find a rehabber here. Are they suppose to be so tiny? Also, he puts up a fight but doesn't act aggressive at all. I just know that my yard is not were it belongs. It doesn't fly well. I think someone's been keeping this one. It is looking and acting super healthy. It's just so very not aggressive. It definitely needs rehabbed if it is returned to the wild. Homeless folk eat them around here. There are so many ducks I'm not sure a rehabber will take it. I will look though. Thank you all very much.

 

[Isaac 0]

They are small ducks, only weighing around 1.5 pounds. Where in the world do you live that homeless people are eating these ducks?

 

[Lilalienangel]

No mites no nothing at all indicating it isn't a cared for bird. Awhile back my neighbors found a wild duck and her babies in their yard. Against my wishes they scared momma off and allowed another person to take the babies. I wonder if he is one of then...

 

[Magnolia Ducks]

A rehabber could sanction you keeping it if they have too many. Wood ducks are very tiny. That one looks the right size. I wonder if someone was keeping him as a pet and clipped his wings.