rescued a mallard duckling

[9chickens]

Does anyone in central Michigan have ducklings? We received a baby that was found abandoned. I don't want to raise it by itself, I read they need companionship. We have chickens but never raised ducks. Any pointers would be appreciated.

 

[ducklover20]

I certainly could help you because i only have 1 mallard duckling but its not rescued. People say ducks should not be alone, but my duck is perfectly fine, in his cage. So you should use a cage, put some newspapers, hay, two bowls (chicken feed, water) and take him out everday, buy a child wading pool so your duck could take a bath. If you still want canpany for your duck, then you should get another one, or sell the duck. Thats al you really need.

 

[Zombified]

Metzer does ship. Their minimum is two, though.

You can also look on Craigslist. There are even ducklings for sale here sometimes! If you do look on Craigslist, be sure to ask what hatchery the lines come from. If they come from eFowl, I'd look elsewhere. They don't have very high ratings. My Welsh Harlequins' parents came from eFowl. Nothing too horrible has happened with them at all, they're just off standard a bit(which, since I'm not showing or breeding, isn't a big deal). One has a deficiency, but it's easy to fix and he'll be all better within the week. Still, it is better to get from better lines.

Good luck with your baby.


EDIT:
https://www.backyardchickens.com/a/2013-waterfowl-breeders-directory

^ That's a waterfowl breeder directory for people on BYC.

 

[duckman4450]

You are 100% correct. Never, I repeat, NEVER raise a duck by yourself. How unfair is it to have a duck completely rely on a human? Imagine if you got minimal interaction time with 1 person, then had to sit in your cage for the rest of your life. Doesn't sound fun. Not only that, but having 1 duck is actually more work than multiple because of their reliance on you. Please find a friend for him. Ducks are one of the most socially animals there are. They REALLY need a friend to interact with

 

[Miss Lydia]

https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/750869/raising-and-caring-for-ducklings#post_10611711