Need advice please don't judge

[jdywntr]

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.

Glad to help.

Cute names too. The other little one will warm up soon. They do go through a scared stage again around 8-9 weeks where they think EVERYTHING is going to eat them so don't be alarmed. Depending on how far apart they are in age, you will know soon if the rescue is a mallard or a rouen. Ducklings grow FAST. Keep us posted on how they are doing and get some pics of the 2 when you have time. If you need help or have any questions, don't hesitate to ask.

We can be a bit opinionated and sometimes curt (or maybe abrasive) but there is a GREAT duck community here on BYC.

 

[desertdarlene]

Not all domestic ducklings are marked, I've noticed. I don't want to encourage people from taking wild ducklings from the wild so I will say this: If you find a duckling, even if it's friendly, but you are in doubt as to whether or not it is wild or domestic, take it to your local rehabber because they should be able to tell you. The rehabbers are great and they often will release the duck near where it was rescued once it's healthy and full grown and often get them prepared to survive in the wild. All the ducks and ducklings I've rescued have been re-released back where I originally found them, so I still get to enjoy them.

But, since you've already gotten him a friend and if you decide to turn him in, then you will have to think of getting your other duckling a new friend that he will have to adjust to. So. . . .

 

[DenverDucky]

Not all domestic ducklings are marked, I've noticed.  I don't want to encourage people from taking wild ducklings from the wild so I will say this:  If you find a duckling, even if it's friendly, but you are in doubt as to whether or not it is wild or domestic, take it to your local rehabber because they should be able to tell you.  The rehabbers are great and they often will release the duck near where it was rescued once it's healthy and full grown and often get them prepared to survive in the wild.    

x2 I'm glad someone else is saying this again as the OP and I have been messaging back and forth about this and but I think its being misconstrued somehow. Either way I totally second this. It's better to atleast have it checked out by a professional rehabber. Keeping the duckling may be completely fine but it could also be illegal. It would be wise to find out.

 

[Garrisonkidsduo2]

x2 I'm glad someone else is saying this again as the OP and I have been messaging back and forth about this and but I think its being misconstrued somehow. Either way I totally second this. It's better to atleast have it checked out by a professional rehabber. Keeping the duckling may be completely fine but it could also be illegal. It would be wise to find out.

I know where i live they can come in and take your ducks if they are wild and put them on a game reserve and fine you. If you find a wild duckling and have them check it out and they say you can keep it they will give you a form saying you can keep it that way if someone shows up and says you can't have this duck you have a form saying you can but it is better to be safe then sorry.

 

[DenverDucky]

I know where i live they can come in and take your ducks if they are wild and put them on a game reserve and fine you.  If you find a wild duckling and have them check it out and they say you can keep it they will give you a form saying you can keep it that way if someone shows up and says you can't have this duck you have a form saying you can but it is better to be safe then sorry.

They do that all over the US. They can and they will if they have reason to suspect it. It's scary to think about, that's why I chose a pekin, it's obviously domesticated. Had I found her a pond though I would have still checked and verified that I was within the law and I wasn't taking a wild, protected breed home with me that I would have to worry about getting caught with.

 

[new duck mom]

Thank u all so much. This really has helped . I didn't get back on yesterday bc two baby ducks and two kids afterschool keep u busy busy. Loving it though. This is a great duck community. Or duck owner community. I will keep everyone posted.

 

[Camilla Chicken]

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.

well he could be a pet mallard those are common my brother even wants one for his b-day

 

[DenverDucky]

I was asked this on a similar thread earlier and thought I would pass on this information as well:

Q: How would the authorities differentiate between a wild duckling that's been banded and a domestic ?

A: Wild mallard metal bands used to have an identification number on them. Then it was changed to "AVISE BIRD BAND WASH DC". Now they will either be inscribed with "CALL 1-800-327 BAND" or "WRITE BIRD BAND LAUREL MD 20708 USA" followed by an 8 or 9 digit number.

 

[missnu01]

I have 4 mallards, I am confused. Is it illegal in some places to keep them? I grew up on a lake in SC and there were tons of wild mallards. I very seldom saw many other types of ducks. There were lots of coots... We would have numerous mallard nests in our yard. My grandma would take them ice water and a little food on really hot days while they were setting. I would sometimes catch the babies once they were out on the lake, but of course I would get mercilessly flogged. We also had a lot of Canadian Geese. Never saw any of their nest in the yard though. Saw the babies, but no child should ever mess with a Canada Goose. An angry mama mallard was more than enough for my face to take. Lol.

 

[Quack Addict]

It is illegal anywhere in the United States. It is Federal law.