Lone duckling found in my pool - help please

[Lost Bird]

While I have "a" chicken (long story but working on getting her friends) I have no knowledge about ducks.

Little thing was paddling frantically in our pool. I searched around the pool and yard to find other chicks and/or momma with no luck. Not knowing what else to do, fished it out of the pool with a net. It fought a good fight, diving underneath the water a couple of times, but I eventually got it into a dog crate that is filled with hay. Provided water in one of the chicken waterers and a low dish of wet All Ways chicken food with some mealy worms thrown in.

Don't have a heat lamp, but do have a light that is very warm. Right now the crate registers 77.8 degrees. I have a space heater, would the dry blowing heat be a problem? Based on research, guessing the little guy is about a week old.

Poor little thing is just sitting in the back of the crate, alert but not moving.

I've left message for both animal control and DFW Wildlife Coalition looking for advice/help.

Anything you can share would be extremely appreciated.

 

[Lost Bird]

Pic of the baby in the pool. Couldn't figure out how to edit previous post.


ETA: Just figured out how to edit. Doh!

 

[claytonjoyner15]

it looks like a mallard. you can raise it by its self but it will think its a human or you can get some other ducklings for it and it will do fine

 

[Amiga]

Take a look at Raising Ducklings

https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/750869/raising-and-caring-for-ducklings#post_10611711

Get an unbreakable mirror and a stuffed toy (with nothing that can be eaten, like a button) and see if that helps.

I am wondering if some worms or slugs might look appetizing to the little one? Or chopped up berries? I think 77F may be just fine - better than too hot.

Good you called wildlife people - they may, by law, need to take it to rehab (migratory bird act).

 

[Miss Lydia]

Pic of the baby in the pool. Couldn't figure out how to edit previous post.


ETA: Just figured out how to edit. Doh!

Glad you got it out of the pool it would probably have eventually gotten so tired and water logged and it may have drowned. How's it doing now and has anyone returned your call?

 

[Lost Bird]

Take a look at Raising Ducklings

https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/750869/raising-and-caring-for-ducklings#post_10611711

Get an unbreakable mirror and a stuffed toy (with nothing that can be eaten, like a button) and see if that helps.

I am wondering if some worms or slugs might look appetizing to the little one? Or chopped up berries? I think 77F may be just fine - better than too hot.

Good you called wildlife people - they may, by law, need to take it to rehab (migratory bird act).

I read that earlier and found it to be a great help. Thank you for making sure I saw it.

I will go look for some worms. It rained today so they should be plentiful near the surface of the garden.

Just turned down the heat - probably had it too warm, but little guy was wet and wanted to make sure it didn't chill.

Yes, he's a protected bird.

it looks like a mallard. you can raise it by its self but it will think its a human or you can get some other ducklings for it and it will do fine

Can you raise a protected bird as a "pet"? Not sure we are in a place to do so, but curious.

Glad you got it out of the pool it would probably have eventually gotten so tired and water logged and it may have drowned. How's it doing now and has anyone returned your call?

Thank you - I tried to leave him be to see if his momma would come back, but after an hour or so it became apparent I needed to help him out.

He's ok, still sitting in the same corner of the crate I put him in. I worry that he's not drinking, much less eating. Figure he's in shock. Should I force some kind of intervention?

I found a rehabber to whom I will take him tomorrow. Just need to make sure he makes it through the night.

 

[Lost Bird]

He finally moved! Into his food bowl, where he ate a bit.

Woohoo!

 

[SouthernPride]

I think he will be fine. Just scared and lonely. It's best it get him to someone who rehabs and will have other ducklings. I'm a rehabber in MS and have 12 right now. I had 25 but was able to unload some on another rehabber.

 

[Miss Lydia]

So happy you found a rehabber to take him.. Hope the lil one makes it and lives a long life.

 

[Miss Lydia]

Any news or updates?