Not a chicken

[Henrytheduck]

[/IMG]So, a couple weeks ago a mother mallard and her chics were swimming in a puddle in our driveway. My husband almost hit them! A couple got separated from the rest and we were able to rescue one! It has been 4 weeks now and Henry is now Henrietta c: ...my question is ...can they eat all insects...moths..ect..without being poisoned? He/she is acting like she doesn't feel well and I was wondering if it was something she ate? We go for long walks and I'm not sure of everything it eats? What is poisonous to ducks?

 

[Kelsie2290]

Hello and Welcome To BYC! You might want to post in the Duck forum about your duckling https://www.backyardchickens.com/f/42/ducks What are you feeding him as a regular food?

 

[BayBay Peepers]

He/She is going to need more than just bugs to eat. Maybe try getting a bag of duck feed? I use nutrena all flock because I have ducks and chickens co-habitating. I don't know how a wild duck will take to commercial feed, but the duckling is going to need more nutrients than just bugs can provide. Ducks eat leafy greens, bugs, small rodents, frogs/toads, roots, etc. He/She is also going to need lots of water to be able to clean out it's nose and go for the occasional swim. But just make sure you dry it off afterwards to prevent a chill.
Another thing to keep in mind is ducks are very social and can easily get depressed without another duck around.

 

[Mountain Peeps]

Welcome to BYC! Please make yourself at home and we are here to help.

Cute ducky! They can eat most insects. The only insect that might have caused her an issue was maybe a bee or wasp that stung her going down? I'd watch her more carefully. I'm not sure what is poisonous to ducks but I'm sure you can google it or something. You can ask other duck owners here https://www.backyardchickens.com/f/42/ducks and here https://www.backyardchickens.com/f/10/emergencies-diseases-injuries-and-cures

Best of luck.

 

[Henrytheduck]

Of course I am feeding it more then just insects....I know they are omnivores...I give him non medicated flock raiser along with goldies insect feed....but we go for long walks where I can not monitor what he is eating....I'm not sure if it is hurt or sick, but he/she is definitely not being it self! I did Google that is how I need up in this forum....someone else had a duck question...sorry I will look for the duck forum. C;

 

[Henrytheduck]

Ps....we are its flock...I have four children the duck has an outdoor pen but sleeps in a bin next to our bed...and has plenty of social time with us...The only other thing I can think of is that maybe my 3 year old squeezed or dropped it....idk? It is still eating, drinking, and pooing!

 

[BayBay Peepers]

Calm down. You asked for help I gave you what I knew. You are not a duck. Ducks need ducks, but good luck to you.

 

[Henrytheduck]

 

[Henrytheduck]

Well...I am positive the duck is not depressed! At this point I don't think it knows we are not ducks! My question was...are there any insects that are poisonous to ducks C; but no worries...I am used to rude sarcastic people(unfortunately) :/

 

[Henrytheduck]

Thanks all..