What should I do???

[PetDuck]

I have a 22 day old black swedish duckling.
I rescued him when he was an egg.
Have has never had contact with other ducks.
People are saying to take him to the pond where I found him.
When he get all of his adult feathers.
The pond I want to take him to is the envy of the park.
Everyone feeds the other ducks bread, cereal, chips, and crackers (Witch I know are very bad for ducks.)
They have a HUGE pond with turtle catfish and minows.
Will he imprint on other ducks?
Will he learn how to fly for migation?
What should I do?
I just want what is best for him.
Since he is a only child he will most likely have a massive imprinting problem when he get older.
Will that be a problem in the wild?

 

[Kevin565]

He will die. I can promise you he will not have a full life expectancy. If he's imprinted on humans he will ALWAYS need help from humans. He will always be too fat to fly and will be easy pickings for a predator once the others migrate. Also anyone who tells you to release them might want to recheck the law because it is illegal in all states. It's cruel and domestic ducks interfere with the breeding of many wild species. If you can not keep him then start trying to find a home than can give him what he needs.

 

[PetesMom]

He will die. I can promise you he will not have a full life expectancy. If he's imprinted on humans he will ALWAYS need help from humans. He will always be too fat to fly and will be easy pickings for a predator once the others migrate. Also anyone who tells you to release them might want to recheck the law because it is illegal in all states. It's cruel and domestic ducks interfere with the breeding of many wild species. If you can not keep him then start trying to find a home than can give him what he needs.

Well said! I agree with this 100%

 

[70%cocoa]

Yes, I agree too. Don't listen to people who suggest that you release him (actually what they are suggesting is abandonment) at the pond. It would be a cruel life and a likely death sentence. And, as Kevin has said, illegal.

You have obviously done a great job of raising this duckling. The best thing to do next is to get your duck a buddy - another duck - and keep them both as pets. They will have good food, a caring home and a happy life lived in safety.

 

[dukzzz]

a lot of people who know nothing about ducks seem to think the do lol, and love to give advice. i'd hold onto the little guy, maybe start thinking about getting him a friend. it takes about the same amount of work to look after 2 ducks as it does 1, and he'll eventually imprint on the other duck or at least learn to get along.

 

[Amiga]

PetDuck,

You know better than others what is best for that duck, which is to keep him as a pet and not abandon him to a cruel death. You are the expert where he is concerned, and I pray that you stand firm and patiently refuse to do harm to that wonderful animal.

 

[PetDuck]

PetDuck,

You know better than others what is best for that duck, which is to keep him as a pet and not abandon him to a cruel death. You are the expert where he is concerned, and I pray that you stand firm and patiently refuse to do harm to that wonderful animal.

You seem to know that I would absolutly positivly never!
I mean NEVER do or let anything/one hurt my little bundle Of fluffy stuff.
I know that I should either keep him or find him a good home.
I just was wondering if maybe he would be happier with his own kind.
(Then again he has never seen a duck in his life so by now he thinks he is human.)
I only want the best for him and all of you know that and thats why I'm here.
If I didn't care then I would not ave joined BYC.
And my little ducky would be in quiet a mess if it wasn't for all of you guys.
I had no Idea what I was getting my self into when I first brought the eggs home.
But now I'm glad I did.
Thanks for ALL of your help so far.
And I know you'll carry on with all the love you put into your ducks.
(And mine!)
Thanks and I WILL be back.

 

[PeanutnCashew]

Hi,

I totally understand you "want" more for him, to experience other ducks, live on a pond etc. I feel the same with mine...and I will find a place..but until I do, I will foster them. You can be selective where he will live..somewhere they are protected

 

[Cbrock2]

I agree that it would be cruel to the duck to just abondon him. Its no wonder how some people think it is ok to do that, since we always see domesticated animals been let loose and live a happy life on the big screen..... if you can you should keep your little duck, you alone is the reason he is still alive,

 

[PetDuck]

I agree that it would be cruel to the duck to just abondon him. Its no wonder how some people think it is ok to do that, since we always see domesticated animals been let loose and live a happy life on the big screen..... if you can you should keep your little duck, you alone is the reason he is still alive,

Thanks.
That's sweet!