Lonely duckling

[Gio264]

hi, there is a small river that runs through the back of my property and I have a squirrel and bird feeder. The day before yesterday I saw 9 orphaned ducklings come out of the water to eat. I tried to catch them but they got way. Well, yesterday only one came back. I was able to catch it. I have him in a large box. I saw here how to create jug for water and I don’t have the right food since I gave him bird feed. There were no other ducklings - I kayaked up and down the river looking for his family. I live in Florida so it’s warm outside and I placed a seed starter lamp over his box. The box is inside a secure shed outside so he should be safe from predators. So should I take the food that I gave him away until I get something more appropriate after work today? And how often does he need to be in the water? Thanks for any immediate tips you can give me!

 

[Jpat]

Crushed catfood would be a great substitute depending how small the duckling is

can you post a picture?

 

[Gio264]

Here are pics

 

[Gio264]

 

[Miss Lydia]

No telling what got the rest but I was born an raised in Florida and know those waters have a lot of predators. So nice you were able to save this little one. If you have a mirror that will also help keep the little one company. I'd call wild life dept in your area and ask for a water fowl rehabber close by. But if you can go to TSC get Manna Pro chick starter it comes in small bags 5lb I believe and feed that until you can get him to a rehabber. They need to have feed and water 24/7. https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/raising-and-caring-for-ducklings.750869/#post-10611711

 

[Gio264]

No telling what got the rest but I was born an raised in Florida and know those waters have a lot of predators. So nice you were able to save this little one. If you have a mirror that will also help keep the little one company. I'd call wild life dept in your area and ask for a water fowl rehabber close by. But if you can go to TSC get Manna Pro chick starter it comes in small bags 5lb I believe and feed that until you can get him to a rehabber. They need to have feed and water 24/7.https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/raising-and-caring-for-ducklings.750869/#post-10611711

 

[Gio264]

Thank you!! I found a tsc near my work. I'll buy the food and the mirror on my way home.

 

[Gio264]

Crushed catfood would be a great substitute depending how small the duckling is

can you post a picture?

my cat eats high fiber food so I was afraid to give it to the duck. I'll buy some feed tonight. Thanks for answering

 

[Jpat]

No problem! thats a tiny duckling!

 

[Miss Lydia]

I gave my newly hatched ducklings some scrambled egg chopped real fine nothing added just egg.