Rescue Duckling

[tjwa]

Hello all, first off l, thank you to all the people who have been posting so much information here. The last two days I have learned almost everything I need to know about caring for a duckling on this forum.

Here's my story. 3 days ago, my girlfriend and I came across a very scared lone duckling at my local sports park. It was late and getting cold so after some time went by and a few attempts to find its mother, we took the ducking home to keep it safe. As soon as we brought him into the warm car, he fell straight asleep cuddling with my girlfriend. I looked up ideal living conditions for the duckling, bought him food from my local Wild life bird store and made him a large container with blankets, food, water, and a 75w heat lamp to keep him properly warmed around 90* and slowly puling it further away to his liking.

Anyways here's my question. Is it non ethical to keep him? I have a friend from a wildlife association that can have him taken care of and eventually planted into a park. My girlfriend has really taken a liking to the duck and I just wanted to get a second opinion on the subject. We have opposite work schedules so someone is always with him. I also understand the it is illegal to keep wild animals but who has to know.

Regardless of your opinion, I mostly posted here to thank everyone for how much information is available. I read all about possible diseases, hypothermic ducks, good and bad feed, proper living conditions and so much more on this forum.

 

[desertdarlene]

Is it a mallard or wild duckling? Wild ducks usually have striped or blotched coloring mostly of brown or silver and yellow. Domestic ducklings tend to have solid colors either all over or in patches.

If it's a wild duck, then ethics aside, it's against the law to keep it. On the practical side, it would be a good idea to give it to your friend to raise, especially if it's an only duckling. They like other ducklings as company. Plus, he will be raised so that he could be released and live the life he was hatched to live.

If you decide to keep him, be sure to give him a mirror or something to make him feel less lonely.

 

[tjwa]

I think he is a wild mallard. A single stripe over each eye. As much as I want to keep him, he'll get lonely so I'm sure when the time comes, we'll give him away. He's about a week old, maybe less. Lots of patches and different shades if color.

 

[claytonjoyner15]

ive had to do something a lot like that with a lone duckling i found near a pond. he will be fine, but you may want to put in a mirror or stuffed animal with him

 

[tjwa]

Just as an update, I took him to my local wildlife rescue program. They gave me a tracking number so I can check up on him whenever I please.

I didn't think I could ever get so close to a pet, especially a 2 week old duck, but I am literally devastated by taking him there. I'm gonna miss the little guy..

 

[Miss Lydia]

Just as an update, I took him to my local wildlife rescue program. They gave me a tracking number so I can check up on him whenever I please.

I didn't think I could ever get so close to a pet, especially a 2 week old duck, but I am literally devastated by taking him there. I'm gonna miss the little guy..

What a cutie, but you did the right thing and sounds like they care.

 

[desertdarlene]

He'll be fine. In about five or six weeks, check up with them to see if they released him. They generally release them right when their primaries start to grow in at about seven to eight weeks old. If they're like the wildlife agency near me, they will keep them within a few miles from where you found him, if possible.