I feel really sorry for this duck. How do I know it's starving??

[Tropical365]

The sanctuary I know is called Buschs wildlife and they have always told me if the bird isn't injured they release it back into the wild...

I will call them tomorrow and ask their advice...

 

[bobbi-j]

Is there no grass where he is? Wild ducks eat grass, so I would guess this one probably is. How about water? Is he near a pond? There are all kinds of little floaty and swimmy things in a pond for a duck to eat. Maybe he couldn't follow the others. If they flew, he may have an injured wing that prevents him from doing so. If it's been three weeks, I think it's safe to assume he's not starving to death.

 

[Tropical365]

Being the rebel I AM I would wait til the wee hours of the night and dump a bag of duck feed by the pond...

I actually did that twice already

Being the rebel I AM I would wait til the wee hours of the night and dump a bag of duck feed by the pond...
That HOA situation is ridiculous smh

Being the rebel I AM I would wait til the wee hours of the night and dump a bag of duck feed by the pond...
That HOA situation is ridiculous smh

I will never again live where there is HOA. I must confess I already left chicken feed near the lake at night twice (I planned to do it only once a week but I don't plan to live here for more than 2 years what happens to him when I leave)... my heart was racing worried I would get caught LOL. I had to place it in front of the other pond and I don't even know if he ever found what I left! There are two ponds... one right in front of my condo and then one right where I park my car behind my condo.

 

[21hens-incharge]

Is he even a wild breed?

Most domesticated breeds cannot fly by design.M
They have been bred to be heavier and have shorter wings specifically so they cannot fly away.

Can you get a picture of him?


ETA I find it silly that they expect ducks NOT to find the ponds.

 

[Tropical365]

Is there no grass where he is? Wild ducks eat grass, so I would guess this one probably is. How about water? Is he near a pond? There are all kinds of little floaty and swimmy things in a pond for a duck to eat. Maybe he couldn't follow the others. If they flew, he may have an injured wing that prevents him from doing so. If it's been three weeks, I think it's safe to assume he's not starving to death.

I see him fly all the time... he will fly from the pond in front of my condo right across the tiny parking lot to the other pond as that's where he sleeps. Maybe I should wait couple more weeks... I also must confess I have been giving him a banana few times a week so it's no surprised he sits and waits and waits for handouts. I also never wanted to feed any duck more than once or twice a week for fear they would get too used to it...

 

[bobbi-j]

Is he even a wild breed?

Most domesticated breeds cannot fly by design.M
They have been bred to be heavier and have shorter wings specifically so they cannot fly away.

Can you get a picture of him?

Even if he's domesticated, I'll bet he can figure out to pick up grass, bugs, and water stuff.

 

[bobbi-j]

I see him fly all the time... he will fly from the pond in front of my condo right across the tiny parking lot to the other pond as that's where he sleeps. Maybe I should wait couple more weeks... I also must confess I have been giving him a banana few times a week so it's no surprised he sits and waits and waits for handouts. I also never wanted to feed any duck more than once or twice a week for fear they would get too used to it...

Too late!

 

[sawilliams]

I'm sure he's fine. I image it would be hard to stave as long as there is grass and water. He's just use to the hand outs. It is possible he can't fly but ask your neighbors how long he had been around. I think a sanctuary is the best course they will detirmine of he can fly and evaluate his overall health. Then place him as needed. You could possibly even offer to take him back as a pet if your hoa allows and he needs long term care. But getting thier help and advice would be the best step

 

[21hens-incharge]

Even if he's domesticated, I'll bet he can figure out to pick up grass, bugs, and water stuff.

Totally agree. Just thinking it would explain the not flying to greener pastures.

 

[Tropical365]

I will post photo of him here tomorrow Thanks for all the replies so far... I'm still confused why he didn't leave with those 7 ducks. Aren't they FLOCK animals? I have pet parrots myself and I know they are flock animals... well except m parrots hate each other haha