Orphaned Duckling Help me

[PalmBeachChicks]

I’ve never raised anything so when the neighborhood kids brought this tiny duckling that was apparently rejected by its mom and left near the gators, I don’t know where to begin. I’ve tried giving him honey/sugar water then mixed with a little bit of cereal, won’t eat it I have to force it into its beak. Now he won’t let me sleep or do anything only wants to be held. I don’t know how to help him.

 

[ChickNanny13]

You may want to put a mirror (reflection may help with company) and towel so it has something to snuggle up to. Is there a way you can keep it warm ... heating pad on low under the towel? Hopefully someone that know will peep in shortly ...

@WVduckchick @Texas Kiki @casportpony @Miss Lydia @BantyChooks
Thank you in advance

 

[2 many chickens]

He needs chick starter. So as soon as you can, get some. Also don't force food into his mouth, you could cause him to choke. Provide water for him, a small shallow dish will work for now. I usually use a sour cream container with a hole cut into it so they can drink and clean their nose. He also needs a proper brooder with a light to provide him warmth. I usually use a 60w bulb and that is fine. For bedding, paper towels will work for now. He is a lone duckling so he will cry a lot. You can offer a baby mirror or a stuffed animal so he won't be so lonely. Maybe look into getting him a friend if you are planning on keeping him. They are very social animals.

 

[Fishkeeper]

DO NOT force-feed it, you'll probably cause it to aspirate.
You need to go to a feed store or pet store and get a duckling-appropriate food. Something meant for ducklings. Give it a bowl of that food, and a dish of water to drink from. Make pecking motions in the food so it knows what to do.
You need a heating pad or a heat lamp, also. It's snuggling you because it's cold.
Does it seem okay? Move around, make noise and all that?

 

[Alaskan]

I’ve never raised anything so when the neighborhood kids brought this tiny duckling that was apparently rejected by its mom and left near the gators, I don’t know where to begin. I’ve tried giving him honey/sugar water then mixed with a little bit of cereal, won’t eat it I have to force it into its beak. Now he won’t let me sleep or do anything only wants to be held. I don’t know how to help him.

The fact that it didn't want to ear the cereal or honey/sugar water is troubling.

Usually with a limp duckling or chick a little sugar water dribbled into or on the beak makes the baby respond and drink it.

The sugar helps to pep it up, and then it more readily eats on its own.

I am a bit worried that this one might be too far gone.

You can try the sugar water again, warmed up (pretty hot but comfortable to your finger), a drop on the tip of your finger touched to the bill..... that should get a response.

If the little guy doesn't respond....

You can try warming him up... a heating pad, or just snuggled in your hand against your chest and under your shirt.... then try a drop of warmed sugar water again.

But if things don't end well.....

 

[BantyChooks]

The fact that it didn't want to ear the cereal or honey/sugar water is troubling.

Usually with a limp duckling or chick a little sugar water dribbled into or on the beak makes the baby respond and drink it.

The sugar helps to pep it up, and then it more readily eats on its own.

I am a bit worried that this one might be too far gone.

You can try the sugar water again, warmed up (pretty hot but comfortable to your finger), a drop on the tip of your finger touched to the bill..... that should get a response.

If the little guy doesn't respond....

You can try warming him up... a heating pad, or just snuggled in your hand against your chest and under your shirt.... then try a drop of warmed sugar water again.

But if things don't end well.....

X2.

When giving ducklings any liquid by hand, it should be dripped onto the bill rather that squirted in the mouth. I prefer using a q-tip to apply it. Does he have a heat source? He may have bonded with you, which is why he won't let you put him down.

 

[Isaac 0]

Are you sure its a duckling?I've never seen one look like that before.Swan maybe?

 

[Fishkeeper]

Looks like a duckling to me, just a pale one. A few more pics wouldn't hurt, though.

 

[ChickNanny13]

@PalmBeachChicks - Update on your duckling?
You could also call/search for a sanctuary or rehabilitation center to take the duckling.