Urgent!!! Found Duckling!!

[kitkatbahr]

Can you post a pic SOON? Maybe if we know what kind of duckling it is then someone can help you better with it. I know I have read how wood ducks and wild mallards, etc. are very fragile and hard to raise. Muscovies, on the other hand, are pretty easy. Someone with experience with the same kind of wild duckling will be able to help you better.

Where are you located? What state, I mean?

Thanks.

 

[alaskaduckgirl]

I am in Alaska, it looks just like a wild mallard baby. I hope it survives!

We pretty much only have mallards around here.

eta: I actually think it may be an American Widgeon! I noticed a female around, I think it has a nest around here! Hmm, I think I am going to go duck nest hunting...

 

[ChickenToes]

As I said before, the best thing is to find a wildlife rehabilitator in your area.

It is illegal to keep/raise wild birds without the necessary permits, especially Mallards, which are protected under the Migratory Birds Act.

 

[Intheswamp]

Quote:
Hmmm..., good thing nobody told that mama duck that had all those ducks up on a ledge and jumped off into a guy's waiting hands...he caught everyone of them and the video showed the mother leading them through town (with some traffic direction help) to the water. Sure didn't seem like the mama minded that guy catching the ducklings. Here's a news video of the event:

Man Saves Ducklings From Ledge

I'd try again to see if it's mother is around....20 minutes isn't really a long time to let the mother come around...I sit it out there for an hour or so at the least....keeping a watchful eye on it from a long distance away, of course.

Best wishes (to you and the duckling),
Ed

 

[ChickensInTheNorthWoods]

Quote:
This is an urban legend although I'm sure it does happen once in a while it is very rare. If it was true they wouldn't be able to put leg bands on them in the wild. (I know someone who assists the state with this job every year).

 

[Intheswamp]

Quote:
This is an urban legend although I'm sure it does happen once in a while it is very rare. If it was true they wouldn't be able to put leg bands on them in the wild. (I know someone who assists the state with this job every year).

...and lots of purple martin landlords handle the nestlings during their nesting stage.

Oh....and don't forget about chickens!!!! They take their babies back, too, after we handle them.

 

[alaskaduckgirl]

Well, didn't find momma or nest. I am probably going to take it to the duck rehabilitator if it survives the night.

 

[ChickenToes]

Quote:
I know it's hard, (because who doesn't want to keep a fluffy little duckling) but it's for the best. Congrats on doing the right thing.

 

[alaskaduckgirl]

He is pretty cute. I have taken animals to rehabilitators before. I have taken baby geese and ducks. All I found in my yard, and without a mom or dad.

Oh well... I have my 3 silly ducklings that will keep me entertained.

 

[Intheswamp]

Quote:
Hmmm, if you're interested you might ask them if they ever take on volunteers to help take care of the "residents"....might be more interesting than you could imagine. Bringing them the duckling would definitely be a good opening for such an inquiry....if you're interested in that sort of thing, of course.

Best wishes,
Ed