Mallard Duckling

[Zombified]

About five/six days(depending on if you count the 'found' day) ago I acquired a wild-born Mallard duckling. I went looking for it's mother and sibling(because the mother is known and eats at my friend's house often) but I could not find her. In fact, after she moved her ducklings(the same day I found this baby about two-three hours after its mom left) no one has seen her at all. I have a friend who has a Mallard drake and a Runner hen and she's helping me learn. I also have another friend who has five Mallard babies(one drake, four hens) who is also helping me out.

I believe the baby is six days old as of today(at 4:41am). However, if that's the case, I'm worried that her growth is stunted. The very tip of her beak is still light colored and looks pointed versus the darker, more blunt images I've seen. She does seem to be growing, but she doesn't seem that big compared what others look like. Her tail feathers aren't quite as soft as they were when I first got her.

She seems remarkably happy and healthy. She seems to have a very healthy appetite, poops and pees normally. My room is naturally very, very warm, but I have a lamp on her(it doesn't generate much heat, but she doesn't ever seem to be cold anyways). I actually wasn't all that worried until I realized that she's six days old. Now I'm really concerned.

This video was taken on the fourteenth:

Please ignore Metalocalypse in the background.

Here's a picture taken yesterday:

https://sphotos-b.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-frc1/919979_10151473188847872_419829899_o.jpg

And this video was taken yesterday:

https://www.facebook.com/video.php?v=10151473433227872

I'm sorry if I'm just worrying too much. The only other baby experience I have is from years ago when I tried to bring a pinky rat back after my dog killed its mother and siblings. I mean, I had it for a week, but then it died due to my lack of experience. I really, REALLY don't want that to happen with this duckling. (To be fair, though, pinkies almost never live without their parent unless someone with a load of experience is caring for them.)

I have a picture of day one if you want it for comparison, but it's not the best of quality.

 

[Zombified]

Update:

I noticed yesterday that she seemed to have grown over night. Today(eight days old), she definitely looks bigger. My grandmother, who hasn't seen her in a couple of days since the baby stays in my room, came in today and commented on how huge she's getting, haha. So, yes, I imagine I was just being paranoid.

I've been talking with my family, and we've agreed that it would be a good idea to buy another baby so that this one isn't so lonely(since I also have a dog, and he's been pretty neglected since so much of my time is spent keeping Pyrrhos company to make sure she isn't lonely). I've been thinking about getting a Cayuga or a Magpie duckling(or both, if I have the money).

So, my next question is... Where would be a good place to go to get a baby? I've read how some people go to Tractor Supply, but the one here doesn't have any ducklings, ever.

 

[Miss Lydia]

Update:

I noticed yesterday that she seemed to have grown over night. Today(eight days old), she definitely looks bigger. My grandmother, who hasn't seen her in a couple of days since the baby stays in my room, came in today and commented on how huge she's getting, haha. So, yes, I imagine I was just being paranoid.

I've been talking with my family, and we've agreed that it would be a good idea to buy another baby so that this one isn't so lonely(since I also have a dog, and he's been pretty neglected since so much of my time is spent keeping Pyrrhos company to make sure she isn't lonely). I've been thinking about getting a Cayuga or a Magpie duckling(or both, if I have the money).

So, my next question is... Where would be a good place to go to get a baby? I've read how some people go to Tractor Supply, but the one here doesn't have any ducklings, ever.

Some feed stores my still have ducklings and also Craigs list. By the way your duckling is adorable..https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/750869/raising-and-caring-for-ducklings#post_10611711 it would be a good idea to get your duckling a friend. Hope you can find one. and

 

[Zombified]

I have that thread bookmarked XD I go back and read it whenever I'm unsure about something or just need some clarification.

She's really starting to develop a personality. I tried vent sexing(though not sure how accurate I was, since I was too afraid to put really any pressure on her) and I think she's a female(again, though, not sure how accurate).

I can tell she's going to be a huge troublemaker and probably not super cuddly. She likes to try and eat my lip piercings, lol. And she LOVES to run. I often put her on my bed(on a towel) and she just runs around(after foraging, of course). And she's already such a little fatty. XD She LOVES to eat. And she loves playing in her water any chance she gets. Even though she isn't really cuddly, her favorite place to be whenever I take her out is on my shoulder and/or underneath this wolf hat I have.

Anyways, thanks for the help! I'll check out some more feed stores and Craigslist.

 

[Zombified]

After a little more consideration, I'm leaning toward Welsh Harlequins. They seem to be more what we're looking for. Their attractiveness is just an added bonus. I still feel pretty partial to Cayugas, though, so I guess it may come down to whichever I'm able to find.

 

[Miss Lydia]

After a little more consideration, I'm leaning toward Welsh Harlequins. They seem to be more what we're looking for. Their attractiveness is just an added bonus. I still feel pretty partial to Cayugas, though, so I guess it may come down to whichever I'm able to find.

Let us know what you get.

 

[Zombified]

I definitely will. On Craigslist, I found someone who was selling ducklings. She doesn't know exactly what they are(bought them as Pekin but even I can see they aren't Pekins). She believes they're Mallard/Blue Swedish crosses, both of which would be okay for my family as well. Still looking, though.

 

[Zombified]

Another update: She doesn't have the ducklings anymore.

I found a place where I don't have to get a minimum of ten ducklings, but the minimum price is $25 before S&H. However, it looks like I'd still have to buy six, which would give me seven. I don't think I actually have enough room for seven ducks. I'll go to a couple of feed stores tomorrow to see if they have any ducklings.

EDIT:
I found someone on Craigslist saying they have Call Ducks.