I want to release my ducklings, share methods and opinions, please!

[doesitmatter]

I'm currently looking over seven (mallards, I believe?) ducklings. However, I think it would be in their best interest (and mine too, since keeping them is probably illegal: I live in MI) if I release them soon so they have a chance to become the wild waterfowl that they are intended to be.

Even though I've read a few topics on this site about releasing ducks, I still have some questions I'd like to ask the BYC community. I'll list the questions first, then some history on them at the end, as it might be useful in giving me suggestions on how to release them.

1. I think they might be 10-12 days old. I read that they can fend for themselves at this age: what are your thoughts or experiences on this? Have you released any at this stage and did they survive?

2. Should I release them where they were found even if there is no water supply nearby?

3. I know at least one duckling is sick, should I just release the others now without him? (He still drinks and eats so I'm not giving up on him yet.)

4. Should I wait for them to get their feathers?

I tried to not get attached, but I did and I like them very much, but I'm willing to give them back to nature, even if it kills them. I just know it's what right, but I need to know how to do it right. Please share your (or tag someone who you know does) opinions, experiences, and stories of you releasing ducklings. I wish I could just give to a nature center but, sadly, there are no such places nearby.

Backstory:
My older brother found them in a park about 10 days ago. He didn't see the mom with them, but he also didn't mess with them. But, before leaving, he decided to check on them. Once he returned to the spot, Some people saw him looking for them, they had put them in a shoe a box. I don't know why but they decided to give the box to my brother and he took them home.

About five days after, he gave them to me; since he can't look after them with work and whatnot. Since then I've been keeping them in my room, keeping them warm with my space heater, and feeding them fresh veggies mixed with dry mealworms, cat food or eggs. I switched them over to DuMOR chick starter (wanted a duck starter but TSC didn't have any) this morning. I let them swim in my room or outside, and at night they sleep in my room in a dog carrier. I tried to let them stay outside for as long as possible, from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm. I do my best to keep their carrier clean and their water fresh. I don't think there any other useful details to share so I'll wrap it here.

PS: Since my new ducklife was sorta forced on me, I have not had any time for anything but taking care of my ducklings and researching on how to take care of my ducklings, so please forgive me if I'm posting wrong or breaking any guidelines. m(_ _)m

 

[blayt90]

I'm currently looking over seven (mallards, I believe?) ducklings. However, I think it would be in their best interest (and mine too, since keeping them is probably illegal: I live in MI) if I release them soon so they have a chance to become the wild waterfowl that they are intended to be.

Even though I've read a few topics on this site about releasing ducks, I still have some questions I'd like to ask the BYC community. I'll list the questions first, then some history on them at the end, as it might be useful in giving me suggestions on how to release them.

1. I think they might be 10-12 days old. I read that they can fend for themselves at this age: what are your thoughts or experiences on this? Have you released any at this stage and did they survive?

2. Should I release them where they were found even if there is no water supply nearby?

3. I know at least one duckling is sick, should I just release the others now without him? (He still drinks and eats so I'm not giving up on him yet.)

4. Should I wait for them to get their feathers?

I tried to not get attached, but I did and I like them very much, but I'm willing to give them back to nature, even if it kills them. I just know it's what right, but I need to know how to do it right. Please share your (or tag someone who you know does) opinions, experiences, and stories of you releasing ducklings. I wish I could just give to a nature center but, sadly, there are no such places nearby.

Backstory:
My older brother found them in a park about 10 days ago. He didn't see the mom with them, but he also didn't mess with them. But, before leaving, he decided to check on them. Once he returned to the spot, Some people saw him looking for them, they had put them in a shoe a box. I don't know why but they decided to give the box to my brother and he took them home.

About five days after, he gave them to me; since he can't look after them with work and whatnot. Since then I've been keeping them in my room, keeping them warm with my space heater, and feeding them fresh veggies mixed with dry mealworms, cat food or eggs. I switched them over to DuMOR chick starter (wanted a duck starter but TSC didn't have any) this morning. I let them swim in my room or outside, and at night they sleep in my room in a dog carrier. I tried to let them stay outside for as long as possible, from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm. I do my best to keep their carrier clean and their water fresh. I don't think there any other useful details to share so I'll wrap it here.

PS: Since my new ducklife was sorta forced on me, I have not had any time for anything but taking care of my ducklings and researching on how to take care of my ducklings, so please forgive me if I'm posting wrong or breaking any guidelines. m(_ _)m

I would say that if you turn them loose then they will all die. They are not old enough to take care of themselves they can’t even stay on top of the water swimming. If you want to get rid of them then call your local dwfp and tell them that you saw their mom get killed and you rescued them and want to turn them in to them to be raised and released.

 

[MagpieDucks]

I would call the nearest wildlife rehabilitator.

 

[doesitmatter]

@ViolinPlayer123 I did, and they won't take in any wild birds if they are not injured, unfortunately.

 

[doesitmatter]

@blayt90 ''get rid'' sounds so cold, as that's the last thing I want to do, but I want them to have a natural life. I'll give this DFWP a shot, thanks for the suggestion!

 

[Ruralhideaway]

If you can't find an official rehab solution maybe find a friend with ducks and a pond. They would likely grow up and leave with the wild ones passing by eventually.

 

[Miss Lydia]

But they are not old enough now to make it on their own. Wild life sanctuary see if there is one of them in your area here in NC it's Carolina waterfowl rescue they take wild and domestics. If you contact them they maybe able to help you find someone where you live that can take them.

 

[onaharley]

Where at in Michigan are you? I live in Monroe county Michigan.

 

[MatthewsHomestead]

@Miss Lydia I did not realize you are a Carolina girl too! Awesome sauce.

To the OP.... Definitely reach out to people who could take them in. They will not survive if released. This is a time where momma duck teaches them ducky survival skills. They cannot fend for themselves. Check your local Craigslist farm and garden section, or other local farm sites for a new home for them. People are always searching for farm animals who could give them a good start in life. Also, make sure the starter you are giving them is not medicated. It can cause a world of problems for their bodies.

 

[doesitmatter]

But they are not old enough now to make it on their own. Wild life sanctuary see if there is one of them in your area here in NC it's Carolina waterfowl rescue they take wild and domestics. If you contact them they maybe able to help you find someone where you live that can take them.

That's what I was thinking too, that they're not old enough yet. This is good information, thank you! I found a few other rehabilitation centers (don't know how I missed them ), so hopefully, they can take them in.