Yet another orphaned mallard post... with a twist.

[Struggle Buggy]

Hello all! Just to start off, I happened across a tiny lone duckling at the foot of a lake that was crying and lethargic. I approached him and he did not react in the slightest so I investigated further. Upon closer investigation, i noticed that his back was matted with blood and he had an inch long gash on his back. I cut a bottle of water in half and left it in front of him then gave him some distance and pulled up a chair for the next few hours to see if he'd move or if the mother would return. After the 3rd hour I decided it was time to intervene, especially with an open wound... fast forward two days and he's a hoppy chirpy little energetic ball of fluff! He's terrified of humans unless being held or pet, which is odd to me as it is the opposite of our previous buff ducks were. Now, we also have a 3 month old Canada Goose, named Snapper, that is the resident feathered family member. Her nest was destroyed by predators and she was still in the egg so she is absolutely 100% imprinted on us. We raised her by hand and she is our little loving shadow. I didn't want the little duckling to be lonely so I introduced it to Snapper via a small cage... and well... Snapper is a bit of a scaredy cat and tried to attack the caged little poof ball in defense (Snapper is also terrified of red shop rags, garbage bags, and vacuums). The little duckling cries a lot and I was hoping those two would take to each other but Snapper is one heck of a stubborn soul and I'm not sure I'll see an improvement in time. I don't want this little duckling to be alone and scared and I also do not intend on keeping him forever if he keeps his fear of Snapper and vice versa. I'm not holding my breath on him being close to humans, I imagine the imprinting window is long gone anyhow. We have a stuffed chicken and a mirror and he seems to avoid them or just be plain uninterested in them. Sorry for the book, just trying to be as clear as possible! I am at a loss on what to do for this poor baby.

 

[Struggle Buggy]

This is our Snapper.

 

[Struggle Buggy]

and this is the little duckling. Notice the gash on the full pic

 

[Miss Lydia]

You can probably call wild life rehabbers in your area and they will take the lil duckling. Just don't tell them about Snapper because it's illegal to keep wild birds in captivity. If you decide to keep the lil Mallard they would probably become friends over time but it would be a slow process of living side by side for a while.

Oh and do you also give Snapper a deep bowl or bucket to wash her face in they need to be able to clean their eyes and nares often especially when eating.
She sure is a cutie and very lucky to have someone rescue her same with the little duckling.

 

[Soon2BChixMom]

Poor thing. Looks to be two weeks or older.
I don't know about raising geese and ducks together, but you could always contact a wildlife rehab center. They could get it back in shape and release it back into a natural habitat.
Generally both species you have are deemed wild birds and technically shouldn't be captured, but in this situation it sounds like you actually rescued them.
Some of these mallard posts are not really rescues.

 

[Struggle Buggy]

You can probably call wild life rehabbers in your area and they will take the lil duckling. Just don't tell them about Snapper because it's illegal to keep wild birds in captivity. If you decide to keep the lil Mallard they would probably become friends over time but it would be a slow process of living side by side for a while.

Very very good point! Snapper happened by accident and our buffs were too young to have her safely near them so we reluctantly let her imprint on us as we knew she wouldn't be able to be rehabbed if she didn't imprint on geese. What a pleasant surprise we were in for however, geese are total characters!

Oh and do you also give Snapper a deep bowl or bucket to wash her face in they need to be able to clean their eyes and nares often especially when eating.

Yes ma'am! Snapper has a dog bowl with her food inside the garage and two kiddie pools. We also regularly take walks down to the river on the property to swim together.

I don't know about raising geese and ducks together, but you could always contact a wildlife rehab center. They could get it back in shape and release it back into a natural habitat.
Generally both species you have are deemed wild birds and technically shouldn't be captured, but in this situation it sounds like you actually rescued them.
Some of these mallard posts are not really rescues.

Yes, that's something that I absolutely didn't want to meddle with but I cannot sit back and watch helpless animals die, especially birds/waterfowl. I shall look into that! I really just want the best for the little poofball.

PS: thank you all so much for your replies!! I will check to see if any local rehabbers can take him in.

 

[Soon2BChixMom]

Very very good point! Snapper happened by accident and our buffs were too young to have her safely near them so we reluctantly let her imprint on us as we knew she wouldn't be able to be rehabbed if she didn't imprint on geese. What a pleasant surprise we were in for however, geese are total characters!

Yes ma'am! Snapper has a dog bowl with her food inside the garage and two kiddie pools. We also regularly take walks down to the river on the property to swim together.



Yes, that's something that I absolutely didn't want to meddle with but I cannot sit back and watch helpless animals die, especially birds/waterfowl. I shall look into that! I really just want the best for the little poofball.

PS: thank you all so much for your replies!! I will check to see if any local rehabbers can take him in.

I could tell by your post that you intervened with the best intentions.

 

[Miss Lydia]

Yep me too!!

 

[Michael P]

Any possibility of some domestic duckling friends, even if they are temporary?

 

[sourland]

Let me reiterate what Miss Lydia said - do not mention Snapper to the rehabber. It's a good thing that you are doing.