Hi new to this,

[new duck mom]

I didn't mean that to sound rude, I appoligize if it did, I'm going to look into it. Still haven't looked at its feet yet. I'm already as attached to him as he is too me. It's crazy bc the one I bought us more wild and shy. He's a lot better since this morning and looks better to. The one I found could be held and cuddled all day if I let him. Thank u again for helping me

 

[DenverDucky]

No worries, I just think its important see what the laws are. Best of luck to you

 

[cymbaline]

Quote:
Originally Posted by cymbaline

If it's missing one, or maybe both, of its back toes (the ones higher up on the leg), then it's domestically hatched.


Thanks for answering that one, I knew that there was something that's done to distinguish them. Would a domesticated mallard at a feed store have the toes removed? Is this standard?

From what I can tell by reading online, a lot, if not most, hatcheries do this. But I'd say not all do, so if a duck still has both back toes, it's not a guarantee that it's wild. Just if one is removed, it's definitely domesticated.

 

[DenverDucky]

From what I can tell by reading online, a lot, if not most, hatcheries do this. But I'd say not all do, so if a duck still has both back toes, it's not a guarantee that it's wild. Just if one is removed, it's definitely domesticated.

I can see why without one of those markings that anyone can grab a wild mallard and claim it as a pet.

 

[new duck mom]

Is the bulb used to keep baby ducks warm the same as the heat bulbs for reptiles? Or a special one?