Novice Rescued Abandoned Duckling

[shaelynfowler]

So, I was at the park today and we were feeding ducks when we noticed a flock of baby ducks so we sat at a distance to observe. We found one struggling to catch up. It was being pecked continuously by a few other birds so I attempted to herd it back to it's flock. Mama duck was not interested and baby duck was left alone in someone's driveway. It is 30 degrees out, we are in Texas, last week it was 80 so that explains breeding in January I assume. Anyhow, I knew it would not make it through the night so, frantic trip to several stores with two kids in tow and I have some chicken feed (not starter because layered feed is all I could find non medicated), meal worms, a tub of pine bedding, and a warming apparatus. We have been home a few hours and the only place it is calm is sleeping in my hands. It has yet to eat or drink despite a few attempts and it is opening and closing it's beak every few minutes. What do I need to do/am I doing wrong? To be honest, I think I have fallen in love. As I have always wanted chickens/ducks, I am not opposed to keeping this one. I am also aware I would need to get another chick or duckling for company but I wouldn't be able to for at least another two weeks as we are moving into a new home. I am able to give near constant attention though, we homeschool so either my husband or I are home everyday. Help! Please be gentle with this novice, I realize I might already have made a few mistakes. Approximate age 2-3wks, mallard. Attached a pic of kitty checking things out while baby sleeps sound.

 

[Wyorp Rock]

@Miss Lydia @casportpony @Pyxis

 

[Pyxis]

How is he this morning?

From the looks of the down pattern, he is not pure mallard - which is a good thing, because it would be illegal for you to take a mallard duckling from the wild. A domestic duckling, though, is fair game.

Go back and get chick starter. Layer feed is not good for babies. There is too much calcium in it for them, which can damage their kidneys, cause bone growth issues, and eventually kill them. Medicated feed, as long as the medication is amprolium, is fine for ducklings.

Make sure to get him warmed up, so even if he yells, leave him under the heat lamp/heat plate for awhile. It sounds like he was chilled.

I would also suggest getting some electrolytes for the little one, to give him a boost. I use poultry nutri drench myself. As a bonus, this also has added niacin, which he will if you're using regular chick starter, which does not have enough added niacin for ducklings.

A stuffed animal or mirror in his brooder will help him feel like he has a friend. If possible, go back to the park and grab one of his siblings to keep him company. You'll need two anyway if you plan to keep them after he is feeling better

 

[shaelynfowler]

How is he this morning?

From the looks of the down pattern, he is not pure mallard - which is a good thing, because it would be illegal for you to take a mallard duckling from the wild. A domestic duckling, though, is fair game.

Go back and get chick starter. Layer feed is not good for babies. There is too much calcium in it for them, which can damage their kidneys, cause bone growth issues, and eventually kill them. Medicated feed, as long as the medication is amprolium, is fine for ducklings.

Make sure to get him warmed up, so even if he yells, leave him under the heat lamp/heat plate for awhile. It sounds like he was chilled.

I would also suggest getting some electrolytes for the little one, to give him a boost. I use poultry nutri drench myself. As a bonus, this also has added niacin, which he will if you're using regular chick starter, which does not have enough added niacin for ducklings.

A stuffed animal or mirror in his brooder will help him feel like he has a friend. If possible, go back to the park and grab one of his siblings to keep him company. You'll need two anyway if you plan to keep them after he is feeling better

Great article attached with scholarly information about medicated feed. He is doing well this morning, we are headed to the store soon to get starter feed and a mirror. I am considering grabbing a sibling but biggest issue atm is I am staying with my father in law who has yet to notice the one duckling, I feel bringing a second into his house might cause an upset. Possibly not, it is about 50/50. What would I do with two ducks if I was not able to keep them both once they have feathered? Return them to the park or find an adoptee? On the other hand, can I keep the layered feed to use for older ducks?

 

[Pyxis]

Great article attached with scholarly information about medicated feed. He is doing well this morning, we are headed to the store soon to get starter feed and a mirror. I am considering grabbing a sibling but biggest issue atm is I am staying with my father in law who has yet to notice the one duckling, I feel bringing a second into his house might cause an upset. Possibly not, it is about 50/50. What would I do with two ducks if I was not able to keep them both once they have feathered? Return them to the park or find an adoptee? On the other hand, can I keep the layered feed to use for older ducks?

Glad to read he is doing well this morning

I'm sure you could find someone who raises ducks that would give them a good home for you Heck, I myself just took two pekins from a lady that couldn't keep them two days ago. Layer feed is fine for adult ducks that are currently laying. If your two ended up being two drakes I wouldn't feed it though, just because they wouldn't need the extra calcium and again, it can cause kidney damage.

Definitely don't dump them back at the pond. Domestic ducks can't really care for themselves in the wild, plus adding domestic ducks to the wild is bad for the other animals that live there. Take this guy, who could possibly be the result of a dumped domestic duck mating with a wild mallard - it's not good for that to be happening.

 

[blackandtan]

Thanks for helping him!
Sounds like he had a rough start, hopefully with all the love and care he’ll be alright. A mirror helps, a lot of folks will also use a feather duster (a clean one with real feathers) wired to the cage or box, with just enough space under it that he can crawl into, just like being tucked in under mom
Good luck!