(Wood Duck) Help

[talos321]

While sitting on the sofa I heard what I thought was a rat in the chimney. When I peeked I found a little female Wood Duck.

It had hurt it's wing and breathed in a lot of soot and appears to be dehydrated and weak. So far I gave it some electrolytes and washed it's feathers and face in the sink. Any advice and info would be much appreciated.

I know somebody is going to say Wildlife Rehabilitator in SC. I went through that last year with a downed tree and baby woodpeckers. I was told to drive 200 miles to them or help them myself or just throw the birds back outside next to the fallen tree and nobody in their group knew anything about Woodpeckers. (Woodpeckers grew up fine and were released last year)

 

[priszilla]

where are you located? I may be able to get you in touch with someone who has waterfowl experience

 

[talos321]

Thanks for your response. After about half the day was over it appeared to recover a lot. I gave it a tub of water to wash itself off better and it even ate some seed I gave to it. By the end of the day it was able to fly and seemed anxious to leave. I took it to the local lake and it flew to the other side (Wood Duck nesting area) and seemed to be in good health.

I also found out from my neighbor that a raised flock was introduced to the same lake and maybe it was one of those releases that got confused. I hope it stays away from chimneys now.