Lone ducklings joined my flock.

[Luminide]

Hah, okay, apparently I have a very active duck life.

I was in the yard with my flock a half hour ago, when I heard some distress calls. I almost dismissed it, but when I looked toward the water three ducklings, maybe 4 or 5 weeks old, swam/ran like hell toward my pekins and joined them. Too recently, we had a problem with snappers taking one of my ducks. With that in mind, the ducks were lead to their pen and the ducklings put with my four muscovy ducklings.

I...have no idea what to do. They panic whenever my older ducks leave their sight, and they're incredibly terrified of people. Do I just let them stay with my ducks?

They're definitely not mallards- they're gray with black bills and orange feet, and ridiculously soft. Does anyone know what they could be? I almost want to venture to say they're goslings.

 

[Onewiththeducks]

I think that you should let them stay with your Muscovies. At least until they grow up and fly off. If they are able to fly. Do you have any pictures?

 

[Luminide]

Thank you. Yes, I have a some quick pictures.





Apologies for the awful quality, I didn't want to stress them too much. This is one duckling, the other two have a little more pink mottling on their beaks and a less pronounced white collar.

 

[Frank Phinster]

Look like some sort of domestic mallard to me. Maybe someone has dumped them at the pond? They are certainly not goslings, their bills are typical for ducks.

 

[Onewiththeducks]

I've never seen that kind of duck, unless it's a mix.

 

[Onewiththeducks]

It kind of looks like a Blue Swedish, but usually the white patch is on their chests.

 

[jdywntr]

They are domestics. Crosses of some kind. They may have been dumped, after being raised by their parents, and that may be why they are so interested in the adult ducks. Or maybe their mother was killed. They will see your adults as protection.

Are you wanting to raise and keep them? If so, I'd leave them with the ducklings,as long as they are of similar size, and slowly let them get used to you. It will happen eventually.

If you don't want to keep them. Put an ad on BYC, craigslist or whatnot, explaining that they appeared at your home and you didn't raise them and ask for a small "fee" to cover feed costs.

 

[Luminide]

Dumping could be likely. I have the only natural pond (that I know of) for a few miles. My ducks aren't exactly quiet about their presence on it either.

This actually works out kind of nicely...my current mutt duck is smaller than the others. This week bullying started taking place. Perhaps he could find a a friend in these ducks, provided they don't grow massive like my muscovies. I'll take care of them for now and see what the future brings. Thank you for your help!

 

[Miss Lydia]

Dumping could be likely. I have the only natural pond (that I know of) for a few miles. My ducks aren't exactly quiet about their presence on it either.

This actually works out kind of nicely...my current mutt duck is smaller than the others. This week bullying started taking place. Perhaps he could find a a friend in these ducks, provided they don't grow massive like my muscovies. I'll take care of them for now and see what the future brings.

I hope it works out they sound frantic for protection. Bless you for taking them in. Pretty too.

 

[Going Quackers]

I hope it works out! poor little babies.