I found a duck: what is it, and what do I do?

[pet artist]

Amazing...my story is almost exactly the same! I believe we have rescued the same breed of duck, which simply showed up behind our back fence. We live "way out" in the mountains of Idaho, so have no clue as to how it got here! This one has a slight to moderate injury to one leg, which seems to be improving over the last 2 days. We let it out of the dog crate into our sizable pond - so we're unable to re-capture it w/o trauma...so we're feeding it and trying to keep our dogs away until they get over the newness of it! One interesting thing about it (I think its a SHE), is that it doesn't seem interested in flying... What's with that? Clipped wings?? How hardy are these ducks in the winter? Our pond freezes over & we get anywhere from 1 1/2 to 3 feet of snow, from Christmas until March or April!
If anyone has suggestions, I'd be grateful!

 

[Amiga]

If it is a black east indies, it may be able to fly, but if it doesn't fly it may more likely be a cayuga. Many domestic breeds do not fly. Well, they can do what I call wing-assisted jumping.

And if they are out on a pond at night, they are extremely likely to get eaten or at least terribly injured.

No, leaving it out - a single duck - in the kinds of weather you have will end its life.

I suggest getting in touch with a waterfowl rescue person or group, find out if you can get help or advice bringing the little one in to where it is safe, and either look for a home for it or get set up to accommodate a few ducks (they thrive in even a small flock).

 

[pet artist]

Thank you! That is exactly what we are trying to do...however very nervous about it being out as you said. I have just left another message with F&G, he may be helpful recapturing it!!! It's basically right outside our bedroom window and if we hear a noise - jump out with flashlights - that's the best I know to do until I get assistance. Will keep you posted!

 

[pet artist]

All's well that ends well! The duck was easily caught by a child! She is healthy and happy in her new home - with chicken friends. The folks who took her have bought her a pool (she loved our pond, so think they wanted to make her happy!) and report she's quite relaxed and unconcerned about all these changes...!