Hi new duck mom

[A795T]

Hi. I’m a new duck mom (I found my stray / abandoned ducky) in September 2024 last year at a lake with some other ducks. She was definitely the cutest. She let me pet her and then I noticed she had a damaged wing. Unsure how long she might of had it and the fact well honestly how cool it was that a duck was letting me touch it let alone hold her so I did the next best thing and wanted to take care of her. I was walking along my park so I had my pet stroller with me. I put her inside the stroller. And named her miss Raphael. When I got home I set up a little area for her with a dog round fence I had and laid some towels down I have her some water and some dry dog food for the night to hold her until I could get to a pet store the next day. Since I brought her home I’m gotten more things for her, as I also moved from an apt to a house with a backyard in the months following. Now I have her happily set up in my backyard. Fenced her in using more dog round fencing and laid an area setup for her happy life. In much colder weather I set her up in my garage until the weather gets better. I’ll include photos. Here but any and all helpful friendly advice and suggestions are welcomed.

 

[triciayoung]

Welcome. Oh my, she is so cute. I am not a duck person even though I want to be...but, there will be some that come along soon if you need help. @Jenbirdee

 

[A795T]

Welcome. Oh my, she is so cute. I am not a duck person even though I want to be...but, there will be some that come along soon if you need help. @Jenbirdee

Thank you. Yes I love her I just today set her up in my backyard again after speaking with someone who runs a Facebook group on fb / a wildlife rehab rehabilitation and release place I went to in Elgin Tx they gave me a number and now I’m on here wanting to know more about better ways and good tips to help give my duck a good life.

 

[A795T]

Here is photos in September 2024 from the day I brought home my duck from the lake I found her at. I’m here on backyard chickens for helpful advice, support, information, tips etc how to give my ducky a happy and healthy life. Please be considerate and respectful. Thank you.

 

[dawg53]

Welcome to BYC.

 

[Nomadicus]

Hello and Welcome to BYC. Glad to have you here with us in this fun and poultry loving community.

 

[Tookie]

Welcome to BYC! Nice to meet you.
Adorable duckie you have!

 

[A795T]

Hiya, and welcome to BYC! She's beautiful!

In the morning, I would call the wildlife rehab department because what you are doing, while so caring and compassionate, is illegal. Federally, they are protected by the Migratory Bird Act and by Texas law. Protected Wildlife Species in Texas Laws. There's a phone number at the bottom.

You can maybe get a permit to do so, or they might make you bring it to a wildlife rehab center, but regardless, I'd call to make sure your next steps are legal ones.

I'd have done the same as you, as would many of us, but then I'd have driven it 35 miles to the closest wildlife rehab center to us.

Here's a list, by county, of Wildlife Rehab Centers in Texas.

I wish you and Miss Raphael the best!

While I thank you for your comment, clearly I have done that I did go to a wildlife rehab center as I stated in my post. And I was turned away. They cannot and would not take her. (I went Austin Wildlife rescue @ 111 Elbow Bend Elgin TX) and they told me they would loss there license if they took my duck in - as she is not a native bird / duck - she is a khaki Campbell and *** NO *** wildlife is allowed to take “khaki Campbell” into their centers. As I stated earlier in my post I have reached out. And I’m in contact already with the number the Austin wildlife rescue gave me. So at this point either I keep her or someone else would house her, or re release back into the wild at a lake where she wouldn’t make it. So there is no need to worry she is STRONGLY protected by me as well as by the law. And she is happy in her home life with me.

 

[Jener8or]

I am not a duck person (I mean I am at heart, but have not had the privilege of keeping any yet) so I won't be much help, but wish the best for you and your duck! Thanks for saving her!

Welcome to BackYard Chickens!

 

[A795T]

I am not a duck person (I mean I am at heart, but have not had the privilege of keeping any yet) so I won't be much help, but wish the best for you and your duck! Thanks for saving her!

Welcome to BackYard Chickens!

Thank you for your support xox