Need advice please don't judge

[Captain Cluck]

Mainly the laws are in place to protect wildlife from extinction, idsease,r and from becoming dependent on humans for food when they should be out foraging on their own.

Yes, ducklings are cute and irresistable and cuddly, but as has been pointed out, it is important to know if you have a true wild mallard duckling in your possession, or a domestic look-alike. If it is a look-alike (say a domestic mallard that has been toe-marked or pinioned or a Welsh Harlequin or Appleyard or other), you will be fine.(although if you live in FL, you need to get a duck keeping permit for any breed that is not Muscovy or all white - it has to do with preserving the licentious Florida Mottled Duck - apparently they breed with Anything that has a green head.)

If you have a wildling, you need to turn it over to a wildlife rehabilitater to raise it up to be returned to the wild.

If you keep a wild duck, its instincts will take over, it will most likely try to migrate, and could possibly be killed by predators or the other ducks. (or it could just be accepted by the wild ducks, but you won't know until eitre one happens).

If it is wild, you still might be able to get permission from the Fish and Wildlife Commission to keep and raise it but you may be required to pinion its wings (one or both) to prevent migration for its own protection and you may be required to get a permit.


Based on how you describe the duckling coming to you, it is possible it is domestic and imprinted on humans. You just need to find out for sure, and not make up your own rules (i.e. ignore the law)

Just remember, if this is a wild duck, and you do make up your own rules (ignore the laws) and FWC catches up to you, don't cry about it.

 

[DenverDucky]

From what you have told me, the duckling doesn't have any markings. Please be responsible and have a wildlife rehabber take a look at your duckling. Atleast then they can tell you if they think its wild or domesticated and then guide you from there on what to do from there. But then atleast you will know if this is legal or not. Good luck

 

[Captain Cluck]

Wow, There were not many answers when I wrote out mine! This thread is hopping!

Just establish that you actually have a domestic duck, and you should be good to go. We just don't want you to get into trouble if it is truly a wild one.
You may not know until s/he is around 5 -6 months and even then many people get confused. I got a "mallard" drake from a lady thinning her flock. He was actually a Welsh Harlequin. I also quickly learned about the laws for keeping ducks in Florida. No wonder there are so many Pekins here!

 

[20736]

Keep the duck.
And keep it quiet.

 

[SA Farm]

Can someone please tell me what the big deal is with wild ducks and mallards? Why are they illegal? I dnt know for sure if the one I rescued is a mallard but he is as attached to me as I am to him. Is it really the worst thing in the world if I keep him? He has it made here. Please don't judge.

Good for you for saving the little duck

I would do the same thing. I personally think that you're doing the right thing. You got it a friend, you're doing the research to provide the best possible life for it. If you hadn't rescued the poor little thing, it would probably die anyway, so what's the harm? You're saving a life, not harming one. If anyone doesn't like it...too bad.

...Rebellious streak coming out...lol

 

[jdywntr]

I think that everyone needs to reread how the OP came to acquire this duckling. WILD ducklings are not going to swim over to a person, climb on shore and go sit in one of their laps.

As of now, I think the legality is a moot point. This is almost 100% likely to be a dumped duckling. So, there is no reason that the OP cannot keep it and shout it from the rooftop (as long as it is legal to own ducks where you are, otherwise keep it quiet

)

Again, congrats on the rescue and getting it a friend.

 

[Miss Lydia]

I think that everyone needs to reread how the OP came to acquire this duckling. WILD ducklings are not going to swim over to a person, climb on shore and go sit in one of their laps.

As of now, I think the legality is a mute point. This is almost 100% likely to be a dumped duckling. So, there is no reason that the OP cannot keep it and shout it from the rooftop (as long as it is legal to own ducks where you are, otherwise keep it quiet

)

Again, congrats on the rescue and getting it a friend.

 

[SA Farm]

I think that everyone needs to reread how the OP came to acquire this duckling. WILD ducklings are not going to swim over to a person, climb on shore and go sit in one of their laps.

As of now, I think the legality is a mute point. This is almost 100% likely to be a dumped duckling. So, there is no reason that the OP cannot keep it and shout it from the rooftop (as long as it is legal to own ducks where you are, otherwise keep it quiet

)

Again, congrats on the rescue and getting it a friend.

 

[Going Quackers]

I think that everyone needs to reread how the OP came to acquire this duckling. WILD ducklings are not going to swim over to a person, climb on shore and go sit in one of their laps.

As of now, I think the legality is a moot point. This is almost 100% likely to be a dumped duckling. So, there is no reason that the OP cannot keep it and shout it from the rooftop (as long as it is legal to own ducks where you are, otherwise keep it quiet

)

Again, congrats on the rescue and getting it a friend.

Bingo! when she replied it came over like that i have massive doubts it's wild. I mean c'mon how many posts do we get here from people who have bought ducks and can't get near them lol A wild duckling is going to be 10 times worse than that.

Now your only next issue will be if you have only one drake and one duck.. then your ratio's will be off and you'll need more ducks

 

[new duck mom]

Okay.  Take a breath.  In your first post you asked for advice and why it was illegal which is what everyone is responding to.

Upon further information you provided, that the duckling came out of the water and walked up to your child, it is HIGHLY unlikely that it is wild.  My 9 day olds that hatched under their mom here won't walk up to me and I give them food several times a day and they've seen me since they hatched.  This is almost 100% a dumped duckling that someone purchased and then decided they didn't want and so dumped it at the pond. 

I think that all of us wanted to ensure that you weren't going to release it later because that question comes up VERY often.

It looks like it may be a mallard.  But that eyestripe makes me wonder if it could be a Rouen.  Rouens look identical but are larger and usually have 2 eyestripes although they can have 1 or 1 with a dot almost like yours. 

He will be okay with you, though it is usually better for them and easier for you if they have another duck friend.  As an only duck, he will need to live inside and he will be VERY bonded to you and your family.  If you haven't yet, read the info in the stickies (blue section along the top of the duck forum).  You will find info on feeding, water, housing etc. 

If you don't want to get another, do a search for "indoor duck" and you will find some threads on how people care for them.  (I don't have the patience for an indoor duck )  Oops, just realized you said you got it a friend.  Good for him.  What breed is the other one?

Good for you husband and daughter for rescuing this little guy.  He would likely not have survived much longer without it.  Welcome to duckdom and if you haven't realized it yet, be prepared for the stink.  Ducklings are gross little poop machines.  Lucky they are so cute. 

That really did help and hope I'm replying in the right spot where u can read it. The new duck that is a pekin I think, he is still kinda shy with everyone else. Warmed up to me but I spend a lot of time with them. We all agreed on the names. Abbott and Costello. Thank u so much for helping me.