My stupid friend bought ducks and has no idea how to keep them!

[HudsonValleyGirl]

Hi everyone. I have 6 hens and have raised chickens my whole life. My friend calls me the other day and says "I bought two ducklings (Malards)." How do you take care of ducklings? Do they go under lights when they are little, and when are the old enough to go out side and what type of coop do they need? OMG I hate when someone doesn't do there homework. And the idot was like "when they get older I am going to set them free." I was like they are domesticated you really can't do that. OMG

 

[Domestic_goddess]

It REALLY bothers me when people do this! You need to tell him to find them a new home, ASAP...they need proper care! I would read in the duck section and try to help him out or encourage him to find other homes for them.

 

[DurhamDuck]

This is very upsetting. People can be so stupid and clueless!! I hope your friend gives those ducks away before she kills them with her stupidity.

 

[al6517]

X3 and I thought I was the only one who had contempt for idiot poultry owners LOL. I guess your friend will soon be on BYC saying, I got ducks now what do I do. I prefer the post that say I am thinking about getting ducks how can I prepare, so I can be ready when they arrive.

 

[desertdarlene]

That's too bad. Poor ducklings. Perhaps you can educate your friend about the issues you mentioned. I know it's an uphill battle, though and may fall on deaf ears. Hopefully, your friend will learn more and become too attached to them to let them go. If your friend is thinking about a coop for them, perhaps it's not as bad as it seems. Afterall, why invest in building them a coop and then let them go?

Hope they survive.

 

[the duck whisperer]

It bothers me when people do that. Tell your friend to give the ducks to an experienced person. It would be better for all of them that way. But for now:

Keep them under heat lamp ( 95 F )
Give them unmedicated duck/chick feed
Water
keep em' dry

If not give them away, They can live in a chicken-type coop. Do not let your friend set them free, please. That would ensure them an early death. Good Luck

Jem*

 

[AnaD]

Ugh, it reminds me of what I've been seeing on CL. All sorts of people are giving up their ducklings after using them for Easter fun. One in particular was a man who gave his neice a duckling (just 1) and now that she doesn't want it he is giving it away for free, but if no one takes it he is going to set if free.

Getting an animal should never be taken lightly. I hope you are able to help your "stupid friend" either find a new home for them or learn about how to care for them.
Good luck.

 

[sourland]

Well, she has them for better or worse. Why not provide the help that she needs?

 

[shadust1]

wow..i guess im was an idiot too ..i got my ducks before i knew anything about them...people can learn...so maybe give ur friend the website and give them some tips and they can learn just like i did...my ducks r my babies and i love them....they surprise me everyday!!! i learn new stuff on this website everyday..i love BYC!!!!

 

[SillyChicken]

Don't feel bad shadust, I got ducks without totally researching first.. I just knew that that little runner duck in with all the pekins was going home with me that day! I guess I have enough common sence to figure it how to care for something when I need to.

I know what kind of person the OP is referring to.. and yes they are frustrating.