Planning Ahead - Releasing Mallard Ducklings

[Trux]

ducks dont avoid decoy spreads

No they don't, and it is tied to ducky see ducky doo.

 

[Jpat]

Obviously you're not a golfer Oh how I wish this was true, but I could show you otherwise any day after the opening weekend.


They do indeed, but that's not a guarantee. Unless "fine" is that they will go back into the ecosystem into anonymity. Which I would agree is perfectly fine, since coyotes need to eat too. Slap some bands on them if you're curious, just make sure they won't be able to trace them back to you because technically it's a felony.

i

Well of course nothing is guaranteed..Although doing the right thing for them is releasing them back to the wild. It's illegal to keep migratory Birds. I once rescued a Runner and a Tiny Green Teal that needed to go to rehab. The Teal was released once mature.

Thats sweet of you, did the teal release go well?

 

[Jpat]

No they don't, and it is tied to ducky see ducky doo.

What are you saying?

 

[chickens really]

i


Thats sweet of you, did the teal release go well?

As far as I know. They called me the day it was released into a habitat with other Teals. It was with a bunch of other types and released in a bird sanctuary for Ducks unlimited.

 

[Jpat]

As far as I know. They called me the day it was released into a habitat with other Teals. It was with a bunch of other types and released in a bird sanctuary for Ducks unlimited.

Ooh thats awesome then

 

[Trux]

What are you saying?

I'm saying ducks are not taught to avoid decoys. They are born with a instinct to run and or fly from danger. When they do learn is during the hunting season, after being shot at. Federal and state game refuges are a testament to this statement IMO. In the early part of the season they will be spread over a vast area, feeding and doing what ducks do when migrating. After about a week of being shot at, more and more of them end up in the refuges out of reach, and still do what ducks do, and when they move they go to bigger bodies of water. Saw it year after year while living and growing up in MN.
Mortality rate for baby ducks in the wild isn't that great, 20 to 25% is what I believe I read a while back. If land predators don't get them, big fish like northerns and muskies do, at least in the northern states.

 

[chickens really]

This is turning into a debate and pointless. The wild ducks need release and it's called survival of the fittest.
The OP definitely is doing well getting them ready to relocate back into the wild and that's all they should do..

 

[Jpat]

This is turning into a debate and pointless. The wild ducks need release and it's called survival of the fittest.
The OP definitely is doing well getting them ready to relocate back into the wild and that's all they should do..

i know if i ever rescue a wild animal ill never post it on this forum it gets complicated real quick!

OP is on the right track. if she hadnt rescued and they just died and shriveled up and turned to dirt then everyone would be happy

 

[Miss Lydia]

Has OP tried to contact a licensed Water fowl rehabber? they may take the ducklings and would know the correct time to release then.

 

[sourland]

Has OP tried to contact a licensed Water fowl rehabber? they may take the ducklings and would know the correct time to release then.

Thank you for being the common sense voice of reason.