Raising a wild duckling

[TurboMom]

Hi! I am new to this forum and am hoping I can learn from all of your experience. I had an unusual experience 2 weeks ago where I almost ran over a wild duckling with my bicycle. The duckling ran to me (50+ yards) and wouldn't let me out of its sight. I searched 30 - 40 minutes hoping to reunite it with its mother/nest to no avail. Being it was late, I knew it would be killed within hours so I brought it home. (Wicked moral dilemma) I am guessing this duckling was days old based on a number of photos from this site. My question is: can a wild duck be litter box trained (with material NOT litter...thinking the duckling would eat it) and is it best to have a pair of ducklings (or more) and if so, will a wild duck socialize with a domestic duck? And, should I try to get a new duckling around the same age? This duckling follows us around the house like a dog and is extremely social. I know if it were to be on its own at this point, it wouldn't stand a chance and I am thinking we have a new pet duck. It squawks A LOT when it looses sight of us which is why I am wondering about getting a 2nd duck. Thank you for your thoughts - I am wanting to do the right thing by this duckling.

 

[PirateGirl]

Unfortunately ducks cannot be litter box trained. They poop, a lot, all the time, on everything. Here are some good links to help you learn about ducks.

https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/category/ducks.30/

https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/ducks-sticky-topics-index.256233/

Ducks are social animals and do best if they have other ducks to hang out with. You already see that your duck follows you around and makes noise when you are out of sight; since there are no other ducks it's bonded to you.

I'm not sure where in the world you live, but since it was a wild duck, I would recommend reaching out to a wildlife rehabilitation center. They can give you the best info on raising it and hopefully one day returning it to the wild when it is ready.

Good luck with your little quacker.

 

[Raenh]

Pictures, pls... and you should consider getting a second as a companion but only if your prepared for duck math... is how I ended up from 1 to 9 now

But in the meantime you can get them a stuff animal and a mirror. My speedy was happy with just the stuffed animal, probably due to her cage/brooder was next to the couch and she could see me from it. And I started sleeping out there.