I Found a Stray Blue Swedish Duck

[Pinkbow1]

Okay, so my friend and I were checking out duck hunting spots and scouting around some lakes and we found 2 stray domestic ducks- one was a Blue Swedish, and the other was a white duck that someone had most likely let loose there. We were easily able to capture the Blue Swedish duck, but the white one wasn't so easy. So we decided to take the Blue Swedish home, and come back for the other duck later. Unfortunately a few days later we couldn't find him
Anyways. The first thing I noticed about my duck after we got him was how skinny he was. He neck was so boney.
It's probley easy to assume that ducks will catch on to wild duck instincts if you let them loose in a lake, since that's where ducks live. But since bringing him home he's fattened up allot! I heard that if you let a duck go in the wild you shorten their life span hugely. I own chickens, but I've never had a duck before. I can't decide if he's just fattened up or if I've overfed him. Is it illegal to bring home a stray duck? Either way, I strongly feel that I might have saved his life, like I stated he was really skinny. He loves food! He always gets really excited when it's feeding time. He's been a joy to have so far, and I feel really guilty I didn't rescue his friend. I'm new to owning ducks. So if anyone has some tips or information that would be great! How much would you recommend I feed him a day? And should I get another duck?? He likes to cuddle up with my turkeys and doesn't swim as much as I thought he would.

 

[ke5hde]

We found a stray today too, or I should say our ducks did. We had just gotten home from visiting a friend and it was time to let the ducks in. Before they even made it to the door on the pen one looked out of place. When they got closer I saw they had a fairly thin khaki in tow. She followed the rest into the pen like she owned the place.
No you can't get in trouble for bringing home a stray domestic duck as far as I know. Good for you for helping it out.

 

[PeanutnCashew]

I suppose you won't be duck hunting anymore

 

[PeanutnCashew]

If you would like, you can post what your feeding routine is, what you feed your duck exactly, do you keep it outside, is the cage predator proof etc...we can go off that for feedback Congrats on being a duck owner! This forum has some great info.

 

[Pinkbow1]

lol, I grew attached to him very quickly, must say wild ducks are not at all as tame as domestics. I think getting a mallard duckling would be awsome!

 

[PeanutnCashew]

there are so many different breeds and such beautiful plumage. Mallards can fly and can fly away.

 

[PeanutnCashew]

A friend would be nice for him,and maybe they would have some ducklings!

 

[Pinkbow1]

Duckling would be fun, I'm almost positive he's a HE, lol. A little hen duck would make a great pal for him. As I said, he hangs out with the turkeys allot. It's funny to walk in the pen and he's snuggling his head against my turkeys!
I heard Blue Swedish ducks are often standoffish except for feeding, and that is exactly how he is. What's a really friendly domestic duck breed? Or any ways to get him more comfortable with people.

 

[ducky219502]

i also have a blue swedish duckling and they are lots of fun! i think you did the right thing to take the duck home! he/she deserves a good life! every duck deserves a good home!

 

[desertdarlene]

Yeah, all the adult ducks dumped at our local lake lose a lot of weight. There is a blue Swedish there, too, and he's half the size that he was when he got there. So, I don't think you're over feeding him as long as your feeding him the proper food. Dumped ducks have only 1/3 to 1/2 the lifespan of a wild duck if they survive the first year after they're dumped.

His white friend was probably a Pekin, they're considered to be very friendly.

I will say this for the sake of other people reading, but I don't think it's a problem in your situatuon: It's technically not illegal to rescue a stray duck, but it's best to get to know the area before doing so and get to know the staff there. In some areas, they may consider this theft.