Rescued very young duckling!

[Hugotheduck]

We just rescued this baby ducking off the side of the road, it was all by its self and was no ducks anywhere to be seen! He ran straight up to us there was no hesitation at all, it’s the next day and we need some help we have no idea what we are doing! We have set him up in a big black bin with paper towels down the bottom, he has chick starter as his feed right now, he only looks to be no older that a week old (according to google) we also have a heat bolb shining into the cage it’s a white light not red is that ok? We also fed him some crickets, banana, strawberries and peas the last three we mashed up so he could eat it ( that was before we got the chick starter) he seemed to love that. So right now he is sleeping on a hot water bottle that’s not too hot just because I didn’t know if it was ok to leave the white heat light on over night? We also have a teddy in there as well as a blanket like thing that he loves to burrow into, he has been chirping and head bobbing all day, is that a good thing? He already won’t leave us alone and will follow anybody that is walking around like their it’s mum and will scream if he can’t see anyone during the day but slept fine last night, it seems to look like a mallard duck but could be a wood duck (we searched pictures up on google) if anyone wants I can post a pic of him so you can help with the breed just ask please. Also how many times should I feed him a day should I leave the chick starter out all day? Should I still feed him crickets even with the chick starter? And how many crickets if I do (their small crickets)?

Any help would be appreciated, thanks!

 

[CloneFly]

Welcone to the BYC!! Poor baby.... sounds like you're doing everything right though! I would add, that some Poultry Drench added to his water may be a good idea as it contains plenty of electrolytes to help him stay hydrated. Also, adding some nutritional/brewer's yeast in the starter would be a good idea as well. (Water fowl need Niacin to grow properly.. nutritional/brewer's yeast is a good niacin supplement!)
It's so sweet to hear that he's following you all around; bless your heart for taking him in! Please do post some pictures of the baby if you can. Happy New Year and welcome again!

 

[Isadora]

If you're feeding him things like insects, he needs access to chick grit, that way he can properly grind it up.

 

[Hugotheduck]

Welcone to the BYC!! Poor baby.... sounds like you're doing everything right though! I would add, that some Poultry Drench added to his water may be a good idea as it contains plenty of electrolytes to help him stay hydrated. Also, adding some nutritional/brewer's yeast in the starter would be a good idea as well. (Water fowl need Niacin to grow properly.. nutritional/brewer's yeast is a good niacin supplement!)
It's so sweet to hear that he's following you all around; bless your heart for taking him in! Please do post some pictures of the baby if you can. Happy New Year and welcome again!

Thank you so much that helps that I know I’m dooing everything right! Can you get the brewers yeast from any old food grocery shop or is it from the pet shop? He’s sitting on my chest sleeping as I wright this haha here is the only good picture I have of him at the moment

 

[Hugotheduck]

If you're feeding him things like insects, he needs access to chick grit, that way he can properly grind it up.

Ok thank you, will definitely look into getting some soon!

 

[Coops Dad]

Looks like the baby Mallards that own our stock tank every spring.

 

[CrspyChkn]

It is so cute! I do agree that it looks like a baby mallard. Please add updated pictures as he gets older. Good job helping the poor baby. Happy new year!

 

[EEforMe]

Thank you so much that helps that I know I’m dooing everything right! Can you get the brewers yeast from any old food grocery shop or is it from the pet shop? He’s sitting on my chest sleeping as I wright this haha here is the only good picture I have of him at the moment

You can get brewers yeast from a normal store. We use it as popcorn seasoning. Also you have a REALLY cute duckling on your hands. And x2 post updates!!

 

[Miss Lydia]

Looks like the baby Mallards that own our stock tank every spring.

Really for some reason it doesn't look like a Mallard to me.

 

[Hugotheduck]

It is so cute! I do agree that it looks like a baby mallard. Please add updated pictures as he gets older. Good job helping the poor baby. Happy new year!

Will definitely be posting pictures along the way, happy new year to you too!