so the 4 ducklings the cat brought in are all feathered up and getting restless out there. we've tried to have minimal contact with them and let them 'find' there own food as much as possible. but now the time has come where they are out growing the enclosure (they are 6 weeks old) shall i just open the door and let them 'come and go' ?
they are mallards. no they cant fly yet. we live on the edge of a river and ive seen so many ducks around the same age/size, thought maybe they would like to go and join them? if not i suppose i'll have to find something bigger for them
There is not an adult bird to protect them or teach them how to fend for themselves or to avoid predators. If you release them now they will be unable to fly away if they are picked on by the other ducks or if there is danger and they will die.
I had a mallard rescue duck. She stayed several months. They are not good at flying right a way and have to build up wing strength first by practicing. Best for now would be to give access to an outdoor, but enclosed back yard. They will fly out, but they will also fly back in. The first time my wild duck flew was with a crash landing on the roof. Then she called me like something killed her. Only to see her walk up and down on the roof trying to figure out how to get back down. It was hilarious. They will need a pool to practice their swimming and even to sleep in the water. Let them fly over the property, because that is how they learn about the area. Eventually they will fly away when it is time for them. Just don't rush it, they will know when it is right for them. Be prepared that they may stay for up to 4 months.
