I have a pet wood duck, and need some info...

[WVduckchick]

Just some random things I found interesting.
I just wonder if some of the behavior described is actually courting behavior. A duck raised alone by humans sometimes will try to "court"
It's "flock mates"

I agree with you. I think some of the behaviors are courting, and some are probably warning calls when he is startled.

And here’s a place that sells them. Legally. I don’t know if some type of license is required or what, but I traded some chickens for some wood ducks last year, on a whim. They had leg bands, but unfortunately, they found their way out of my enclosure and escaped before I could learn much about them.

They also have some care info on this site:
https://www.mallardlanefarms-onlinestore.com/woodducks

 

[WVduckchick]

She sounded like a squeaky toy when he mated her

 

[FishMtFarm]

Well that is some pretty useful information, especially seeing how it could save him a lot of money by avoiding fines. Also, OP should not be talking about illegal activities online, it is actually against the rules on these forums, I am surprised the thread has not been shut down yet. I mentioned selling, breeding, and acquiring another illegal bird because other posters mentioned prices and suggested the OP should get him a mate. if people are throwing that stuff out there then I mind as well through the fact that all of this is illegal without proper permits out there too. If the OP decided to get another bird, as others suggested, then what is stopping him from unknowingly acquiring it illegally like how he acquired the first one? Also, yeah he just wants info on sounds and body language unfortunately no one else here has even touched on that topic yet so it was nice of you to call me out for my post but ignore the previous 27 posts that were also not related to sounds and body language.

It’s a kid and I’m sure his father has the situation under control. Thanks for your concern and knowledge.

 

[Kessel23]

Yes.. sadly you are correct about the legal aspects of all of this.
I didn't intend to imply that he should obtain another bird illegally. . but there are places you can get domesticated wood ducks legally.
As far as the one he already has. . . I won't tell if you don't
Probably good for the op to know about this though so he doesn't find out the hard way.

I know you did not intend that, I said that mainly for the OP because I do not think he is aware that the first one was obtained illegally. And yeah, I am not going to report him or anything for having the first one, that was also said to let the OP know he should be careful who he talks to about his rescued bird.

 

[Kessel23]

Wow, if the OP didn't take in this duck it wouldn't have survived. At least the way I understand they rescued it from the road, by itself. Also the OP has not mentioned doing anything illegal. Just because other members have mentioned getting another, breeding or selling, doesn't mean the OP is running out and doing it. He's had this ONE for 2 years already. Besides, it's never wrong to save an animal!

Well the OP said he found it on the road and took it in and has kept it for 2 years. That is illegal, you can not keep any bird that is under the protection of the Migratory Bird Treaty act without the proper permits, it does not matter if you rescued it, it does not matter if you have already had it for two years, and yes, it is always wrong to save and keep a wild animal under your possession because it is illegal. You can get jail time for keeping some birds protected by the act without proper permits. I am not sure what you would get for illegally keeping a Wood duck but it would not be as bad as the one for keeping an owl or other raptor.
You can save animals, they are only allowed to be in your possession for under 24 hours though, after that they must be brought to a animal rescue center. I am not trying to be mean and say that he should have left it there or he should release it now but I am saying it was against the law to take it for over 24 hours and it is still against the law to have it under your possession now.
So others can mention getting another, breeding, and selling but when I mention the fact that he is doing something illegal right now and what others have mentioned is also illegal if not done properly I am the one in the wrong? Ridiculous. Look, I did not make the Migratory Bird Treaty act, it was made in 1918 and has been enforced ever since then and that is way before I was even alive.
I should not have to be constantly repeating myself my first post already covered all of this, what he did is illegal, there is no getting around that, do not try to argue or complain to me, I have no control over that act, or any act or law. What I said about this bird being illegally kept is a fact and it has been a fact for the past 100 years, for the past century this act has been enforced.

 

[Kessel23]

Yes.. sadly you are correct about the legal aspects of all of this.
I didn't intend to imply that he should obtain another bird illegally. . but there are places you can get domesticated wood ducks legally.
As far as the one he already has. . . I won't tell if you don't
Probably good for the op to know about this though so he doesn't find out the hard way.

Oh and yes, wood ducks, and other waterfowl on the act, are extremely easy to obtain legally. You can buy them from anyone who has the permits that allow them to breed and sell, the seller will also provide you with the forum 3-186 that proves the birds were legally raised, sold, and obtained.

 

[biophiliac]

I'll never forget this vid of baby wood ducks leaving the nest...

 

[shawluvsbirds]

I'll never forget this vid of baby wood ducks leaving the nest...

Me either! That was shocking wasn't it!

 

[WVduckchick]

I have a wild pair that visits my farm pond. I’ve seen them for 3-4 years now. I built and mounted a nesting box for them, but so far, they haven’t used it. Some other little bird used it last year lol

 

[Tortoise]

I'll never forget this vid of baby wood ducks leaving the nest...

Geez, that's such a ruff start poor things