Orphaned mallard eggs mother was killed :(

[dottiefoal]

a friend brought me 5 mallard eggs, mother had been killed so I candled them to see what was going on, they looked quite fresh. I popped them in my little incubator and after 2 days I candled them (very early I know) and I could see 5 spiders!!!!! (that's what I call the little veins ha) .... very pleased. I have hatched ducks before and all went well, but my main problem now is the wildlife rehabilitation of them? I have a farm with a pond and a canal running alongside so that's good? I know they have to be fully feathered etc before I can withhold care- but I don't really mind them sticking around either? but wouldn't want them to be kept against will, I have free range chickens so they should copy from them on hunting skills? and they all live in the barn with and sometimes on the horses.
in an ideal world they might live 50/50- wild/on the farm , maybe they will live with us for a while and then leave ? I don't know
what shall I do? any game plans appreciated

 

[Miss Lydia]

a friend brought me 5 mallard eggs, mother had been killed so I candled them to see what was going on, they looked quite fresh. I popped them in my little incubator and after 2 days I candled them (very early I know) and I could see 5 spiders!!!!! (that's what I call the little veins ha) .... very pleased. I have hatched ducks before and all went well, but my main problem now is the wildlife rehabilitation of them? I have a farm with a pond and a canal running alongside so that's good? I know they have to be fully feathered etc before I can withhold care- but I don't really mind them sticking around either? but wouldn't want them to be kept against will, I have free range chickens so they should copy from them on hunting skills? and they all live in the barn with and sometimes on the horses.
in an ideal world they might live 50/50- wild/on the farm , maybe they will live with us for a while and then leave ? I don't know
what shall I do? any game plans appreciated

I think you have a great plan and when they fully feather and are free ranging with your chickens they will have the choice to stay or leave, your leaving it up to them. I have a feeling if they are feed well they will stay, and you won't be keeping them against their will. It will be their choice. Bless you for taking care of them.

 

[SouthernPride]

Depending on where you are it is very likely it is legal to have those eggs and hatch them. You should try to find I wildlife rehabilitator in your area. I recently became one where I live and found out that there are a lot of laws out there that most of us don't know. Migrating songbirds and waterfowl are protected. Rehabilitators are licensed thru the state. I have domestic ducks and one mallard I'm rehabilitating, the difference is great. The mallard does not like being in a cage, is very restless and seems stressed out. I got him when he was just a day old so he did not know what it was like roaming around free. He has also imprinted on me so that adds to the stress. I cannot put him in with the domestics because they pick on him. I also have 4 Canada goslings and they pick on him as well. If you decide to keep them be prepared for the differences in there behavior.

 

[dottiefoal]

im not sure England is the same regarding laws, but there is wwt near to me that I worked at during uni when I studied animal behaviour and welfare so I will contact them and make sure, it would be pointless moving them half way through incubation as its a good hour away

 

[dottiefoal]

I have a friend that was a foster mum to baby mallards for the martin mere wwt, she says its fine - and i'm hoping to avoid most behaviour problems you experienced because there will be five of them rather than just the one x unfortunately our RSPCA does not deserve to be backed by our queen theyre are totally useless rotters.... I love the animal protection system in the states its amazing! rspca told me to bin the eggs

 

[dottiefoal]

well the eggs are pipping 3 days early? all 5 of them im so impressed with this mini eco !!

 

[Miss Lydia]

well the eggs are pipping 3 days early? all 5 of them im so impressed with this mini eco !!

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