Local pond ducks observation

[nao57]

So recently went to local pond to help with my brother and their small children. Part of the excitement was for them to see the pond ducks (and compare them to ours).

I noticed right away the pond ducks were much smaller and thinner than my ducks.

I wondered why?

I guess that some of this is that they don't get grain when living on the pond. But do they get enough food in the ponds to sustain themselves? And if they aren't getting grain I'm curious how well they survive? (This pond doesn't have snapping turtles, etc... although it did have seagulls and even a couple of geese.)

The pond ducks were more wary than normal ducks. And they appeared to be a few aylesburies or white layers and the rest being traditional wild mallards. The mallards could fly, and it was amazing to see how high and far they could fly, when we saw them do so.

 

[Suprasoup]

In my neck of the woods we have a local pond where people abandon their unwanted ducks every year. Most die due to predation or are killed intentionally/unintentionally by people. Those that survive that usually die of starvation during the winter when people stop visiting the pond to feed them. I imagine this is true pretty much everywhere.

Domesticated animals have no place out in the wild. They are far removed from their wild counterparts.

interestingly enough a buddy called me about a duckling he saw abandoned at said pond this morning. I went and retrieved him. More than likely he wouldn’t have survived a few nights. Poor little guys flight feathers hasn’t even come in yet.

 

[neo71665]

People that dump animals need to be shot.

 

[SolarDuck]

But do they get enough food in the ponds to sustain themselves? And if they aren't getting grain I'm curious how well they survive?

Honestly, no they don't. The domestic ducks are not there naturally, they were likely dumped there by somebody who was irresponsible. If they aren't fed they won't survive.

 

[Suprasoup]

He’s terrified of people. When I picked him up he shook so violently and threw up/defecated himself. It was heartbreaking. Hopefully with a little TLC he’ll come to trust people again.

 

[Suprasoup]

A quick update on the rescue runner

He‘s doing well. I was fortunate that he bonded almost immediately to my other fawn and white runner Anakin (she happens to also be my most spoiled and affectionate duck). So she’s been showing him the ropes so to speak.



They go everywhere together now. He’s also developed her distaste for brocolli and fenugreek sprouts. Dang picky ducks!


The others have also taught him how to sneak water from the birdbath. It’s not for you!!


yup pretty much inseparable now.


He’s still a little skittish but is slowly getting closer during treat time so that’s progress. He’s also presented a logistical challenge. With two males I’ll have to expand their home to perhaps include a sectionable bachelor pad so they don’t get too randy with the ladies. Squee (my brown Indian runner) is currently humping everything that moves

 

[HeatherKellyB]

From my personal understanding (not claiming to be completely knowledgeable and have all the information) wild Mallards are a bit different than domestic Mallards. The wild ones are smaller I believe because they need to be small to survive and fly. Domestic ducks are bred selectively for egg laying.

I hope someone will correct me if I'm wrong.

 

[HeatherKellyB]

In my neck of the woods we have a local pond where people abandon their unwanted ducks every year. Most die due to predation or are killed intentionally/unintentionally by people. Those that survive that usually die of starvation during the winter when people stop visiting the pond to feed them. I imagine this is true pretty much everywhere.

Domesticated animals have no place out in the wild. They are far removed from their wild counterparts.

interestingly enough a buddy called me about a duckling he saw abandoned at said pond this morning. I went and retrieved him. More than likely he wouldn’t have survived a few nights. Poor little guys flight feathers hasn’t even come in yet. View attachment 2639278

Lucky little duck is a beauty! Thank you for taking this one in and caring for it. You're awesome

 

[Miss Lydia]

Your a hero! So sad someone did that and a little Runner Bless you for taking him in.

 

[nao57]

He’s terrified of people. When I picked him up he shook so violently and threw up/defecated himself. It was heartbreaking. Hopefully with a little TLC he’ll come to trust people again.

He shouldn't be that terrified of people. I wonder what happened.