New Duck Owner - Ohio Winter Input Welcomed

[Grubbdub]

I will have to look to see what options exist in my area for rescue.

I do realize the predator possibility, I can't help that. But once again, I did not purposely bring these guys here. I would never get a pet without fully understanding the needs beforehand. I'm just trying to provide some sort of winter shelter for them while they are here. I have never seen raccoons in the area, but that does not mean they aren't around. We have a family of 17 mallards that live in the area also, and they have never been messed with, well other than was injured from a snapping turtle in the pond.

Food wise, they have been following the mallards around living off a more natural diet (insects and such). The corn is only a treat to draw them to the shelter, not a primary source of food. In the winter, I may have to offer something more balanced due to a lack of food supply. Do you have any suggestions? I have a Macaw, so I am familiar with avian care, but not the same type of bird requirements by any means

 

[chickens really]

Water fowl feed...I am from Canada, not the same suppliers here...
@WVduckchick

 

[BantyChooks]

I will have to look to see what options exist in my area for rescue.

I do realize the predator possibility, I can't help that. But once again, I did not purposely bring these guys here. I would never get a pet without fully understanding the needs beforehand. I'm just trying to provide some sort of winter shelter for them while they are here. I have never seen raccoons in the area, but that does not mean they aren't around. We have a family of 17 mallards that live in the area also, and they have never been messed with, well other than was injured from a snapping turtle in the pond.

Food wise, they have been following the mallards around living off a more natural diet (insects and such). The corn is only a treat to draw them to the shelter, not a primary source of food. In the winter, I may have to offer something more balanced due to a lack of food supply. Do you have any suggestions? I have a Macaw, so I am familiar with avian care, but not the same type of bird requirements by any means

I think Purina Flock Raiser is recommended if you can find it.

 

[Sarahchickenlover]

The house looks amazing!! thanks for rescuing them!!! keep it up <3

 

[DuckMom2017]

I will have to look to see what options exist in my area for rescue.

I do realize the predator possibility, I can't help that. But once again, I did not purposely bring these guys here. I would never get a pet without fully understanding the needs beforehand. I'm just trying to provide some sort of winter shelter for them while they are here. I have never seen raccoons in the area, but that does not mean they aren't around. We have a family of 17 mallards that live in the area also, and they have never been messed with, well other than was injured from a snapping turtle in the pond.

Food wise, they have been following the mallards around living off a more natural diet (insects and such). The corn is only a treat to draw them to the shelter, not a primary source of food. In the winter, I may have to offer something more balanced due to a lack of food supply. Do you have any suggestions? I have a Macaw, so I am familiar with avian care, but not the same type of bird requirements by any means

It certainly sounds like your heart is in the right place for sure. Unfortunately though, the Pekins are not able to fly away like the wild ducks can when a predator approaches so they have a major disadvantage.
I hope you can find a rescue and if not- you're going to need to become President of the HOA so you can change the rules and keep the babies!

 

[Grubbdub]

I never thought of ducks as livestock - they are pets!

I agree <3 100%

 

[Grubbdub]

I agree <3 100%

It certainly sounds like your heart is in the right place for sure. Unfortunately though, the Pekins are not able to fly away like the wild ducks can when a predator approaches so they have a major disadvantage.
I hope you can find a rescue and if not- you're going to need to become President of the HOA so you can change the rules and keep the babies!

Yes, I know it is not ideal for them. Which definitely angers me that anyone would just dump these poor babies. Makes me even more upset that they were probably "easter pets" for someone who didn't do their homework about their needs. I am used to the dog & cat world, where shelters are usually too full to take on more, meaning certain euthanasia. So I don't want that for them either. I will see what other options exist.

 

[rjohns39]

If you're looking to re-home them, you might want to post to the Ohio thread and see if there is a duck owner near you.

 

[chickens really]

Yes, I know it is not ideal for them. Which definitely angers me that anyone would just dump these poor babies. Makes me even more upset that they were probably "easter pets" for someone who didn't do their homework about their needs. I am used to the dog & cat world, where shelters are usually too full to take on more, meaning certain euthanasia. So I don't want that for them either. I will see what other options exist.

Generally livestock rescues do not kill what they help...
Or any one committed to rescuing animals...Adoption is always the first choice...Advertise locally at shelters, farm stores.... Or on line sites...

 

[Grubbdub]

If you're looking to re-home them, you might want to post to the Ohio thread and see if there is a duck owner near you.

good call! Thanks