Help with Mallard feeding

[dowens]

I found a duckling walking around in the road in the city I live in and looked for the mother. I couldn't find any other ducks in sight and instead of letting it get ran over I picked it up and brought it home. I have no experience with ducks but I don't want to see this little guy die. I went to my local Big R and asked what I should feed him. They told me to use Nutrena Naturewise Meatbird 22% crumbles. I bought it not knowing exactly what kind of duck it was. I've narrowed it down to either a mallard or wood duck, but mallard are really active where I live so I'm guessing its a mallard. He...or she...is within a week old. I just want to know whether or not I should use this feed or switch to something better. Any tips would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

 

[Miss Lydia]

I found a duckling walking around in the road in the city I live in and looked for the mother. I couldn't find any other ducks in sight and instead of letting it get ran over I picked it up and brought it home. I have no experience with ducks but I don't want to see this little guy die. I went to my local Big R and asked what I should feed him. They told me to use Nutrena Naturewise Meatbird 22% crumbles. I bought it not knowing exactly what kind of duck it was. I've narrowed it down to either a mallard or wood duck, but mallard are really active where I live so I'm guessing its a mallard. He...or she...is within a week old. I just want to know whether or not I should use this feed or switch to something better. Any tips would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

I agree with the crumble but have no idea why they say meat bird, but I don't think it would harm it, has it started to eat? have you thought about calling rescues or rehabbers in your area? Here is a link to caring for ducklings. What are your plans for this lil one. and Thank you for caring enough to rescue it. https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/750869/raising-and-caring-for-ducklings#post_10611711

 

[dowens]

I just didn't want to give it angel wing or whatever that condition is called. It is eating but very little amounts. The crop is pushed out a bit so it is for sure eating. The only person that will take in rescued animals is actually filled up right now. The DNR will just say to let nature runs its course but I don't agree with that when it's a baby. My plans are to set it free to the wild when it's able to care for itself but if it can't, seeing as it might be a little special, I will keep it safe at my house as I have 2 ponds less than 100 ft away.

 

[Miss Lydia]

I just didn't want to give it angel wing or whatever that condition is called. It is eating but very little amounts. The crop is pushed out a bit so it is for sure eating. The only person that will take in rescued animals is actually filled up right now. The DNR will just say to let nature runs its course but I don't agree with that when it's a baby. My plans are to set it free to the wild when it's able to care for itself but if it can't, seeing as it might be a little special, I will keep it safe at my house as I have 2 ponds less than 100 ft away.

I feed 22% Flock raiser crumble and have never had a case of angel wing, but my ducklings also get out and forage which I think does make a difference. As far as letting it go there is always problems doing that when mama duck isn't there to teach them the ropes so to speak, but being you have ponds and probably other ducks that come in most likely being it's a Mallard it will find it's way. Lets hope so anyway. Please don't let it go too soon though only to be eaten by snapping turtles or other kinds of preds.

 

[dowens]

Thank you very much. That was very helpful.

 

[desertdarlene]

Oh my, he's very cute! I mostly deal with wild ducks and don't have any of my own, yet. Looks like a mallard and I think it's OK to feed him that high protein feed for a couple of weeks, but after that, you will have to cut the protein down by either buying other feed or mixing it with other grains. In the wild, mallard ducklings eat mostly insects for the first couple of weeks then taper off and eat more plant matter as they get older.

You might also want to get a stuffed animal or something for him to cuddle with and make sure he stays warm. He will be fully feathered at two months and would be flying soon afterward. But, like Miss Lydia said, he will not know how to avoid or identify predators if he was released or where to find food. But, if there's other wild ducks around, that would be better as long as he knows he's a duck and not a human.

 

[Miss Lydia]

Thank you very much. That was very helpful.

Adorable!!

 

[cymbaline]

Oh my goodness, how tiny and precious! I'd say 3-4 days old or even less, personally.

 

[fifenashia]

We keep Mallards and the one you picked up is definitely precious!

I can only tell you what I have experienced. I have always raised mine with chicken chicks and so they were all raised on medicated chick starter with lots of greens and fruit as treats. Time outside to forage under supervision and nightly baths in the tub/sink when able to (baby ducks don't have the oils yet to make them water proof so they drown easily).

Mallards as a general rule don't stay "kept" forever, they are naturally wild animals even if hand raised and most will fly away if allowed. I kept one of my girls clipped for a bit but this past Spring, she took off. She may return as this will always be "home" but she's probably busy hatching out some eggs on one of the ponds that are close by.

I would say for now, keep him under a warm light and a stuffed animal is a great idea although it will be ruined within an hour haha

And most of all ENJOY him while you can!

 

[dowens]

You guys have been awesome! Thank you sooo much! He just had his bath and loved it. As for feeding him fruits, I read that seeds are not good for ducklings, so should i remove the seeds or are little seeds ok like strawberry seeds?