Releasing Mallard ducks when they gain flight feathers

[DuckLover9138]

Hi guys,

In about 3 weeks, my friend's mallards will be able to fly. I see the pictures of the flight feathers growing already when I visit his apartment. He is unable to take care of them anymore and wants me to take care of them. I originally wanted to leave them outside my house and keep them in a cage at night, but I don't think my neighbors or wild raccoons and cat friends will agree to it. They also quack at night, so I don't want my neighbors to complain at 2 am.

I read that animal shelters kill their surplus animals when they come under the budget strains. Obliviously, the recession (in reality a depression) isn't going away for most of us, and will hit them especially hard as they operate on a donation budget even after the economy recovers. He doesn't want to abandon them, but I was wondering if releasing mallard even after they can fly is even legal. [The law seems to be confusing at best] I know people have release domestic ducks who can't even fly. Their success seem to be mixed. There is a marsh close to where I live. I was wondering if anyone had any experience releasing mallards? We want them to migrate with the migrating mallards. I am interested in hearing about facts and real life experiences.

-DL

 

[MissusDee]

I just wonder why someone would raise ducks not expecting to care for them when they are grown? It is illegal in some places to do that. You might find someone that will take them if you post on craiglist or something.

 

[silkiechicken]

If you can't keep them alive, I'd just eat them.

Releasing domesticated ducks is usually illegal, and if they were wild mallards, that was illegal to take them.

I'd see if you can't find them a home via craigslist if you don't want to eat them and don't have a way to keep them.

 

[THunter]

Just take them to the local park and let them go with the locals.

 

[ranchhand]

Quote:
Illegal and unethical. Domestic ducklings have NO idea how to forage for food or evade predators.

 

[DuckLover9138]

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His state doesn't prohibit it unlike most states, but it feels morally wrong. He wants to release it near where I live since we have a river flowing into a large lake here. I am just worried that there aren't any ducks there. He already tried it, but is afraid it might be some snake's free food.

 

[DurhamDuck]

Quote:
it only takes a moment to list them on Craigslist - perhaps someone would like to adopt them? Have you looked to see if there is a local rescue that specializes in ducks?

 

[DuckLover9138]

Quote:
it only takes a moment to list them on Craigslist - perhaps someone would like to adopt them? Have you looked to see if there is a local rescue that specializes in ducks?

I read that animal shelters kill their surplus animals when they come under the budget strains. Obliviously, the recession (in reality a depression) isn't going away for most of us, and will hit them especially hard as they operate on a donation budget even after the economy recovers.

Thanks for the suggestions though. Maybe I should tell him to release it near a river where there are mallards. The problem is that they might get bullied by older more aggressive ducks. Its a tough choice. Does anyone have lots of experience and first hand knowledge in something like this?

 

[DurhamDuck]

Quote:
Have you looked at "Lame Duck Rescue"???

http://www.lameduckrescue.com/Links.htm

 

[DurhamDuck]

Quote:
it only takes a moment to list them on Craigslist - perhaps someone would like to adopt them? Have you looked to see if there is a local rescue that specializes in ducks?

I read that animal shelters kill their surplus animals when they come under the budget strains. Obliviously, the recession (in reality a depression) isn't going away for most of us, and will hit them especially hard as they operate on a donation budget even after the economy recovers.

I didn't say anything about an "animal shelter" I said "RESCUE" as in the Lame Duck Rescue group and others (the are not the same as an animal shelter like a dog pound). I don't know what you read, but these rescue groups do NOT kill them. They also offer "foster families" for the ducks. And lots of people adopt their ducks from listings on Craigslist.

Good luck