Orphaned WILD Mallard Duckling (URGENT)

[stormie]

Alright I found a duckling last night in my lake and no mother or siblings, and I managed to catch it because I was afraid it would die from hypothermia. So. it has heat, water, and food. It will drink water but won't eat the food. I've tried feeding it by force, by hand, by mush, by water, but it won't swallow! It's very lethargic right now. By the way, I've feeding it duck crumbles. Got any ideas on how to get it to eat?

 

[DuckLady]

Dont' force feed it. It will eat when hungry.
In my experience, when a duckling is left behind it is because it could not keep up for whatever reason due to failure to thrive or something.

Checkt eh link in my sig line to Duck Rescue Network and look for a rescuer or rehabber near you. They can advise you. Handle the duckling as little as possible and give it a mirror and a small stuffed animal to snuggle under. Other than that, you did good in saving him!

 

[stormie]

I'm afraid it passed away. It looked very small for a mallard duckling and I think there was something wrong with it before I even found it so thanks, and at least I tried.