Found a baby Mallard duck...now what?

Question

Just this morning I went outside to feed my cats and found one of the kittens messing around with the duckling. I checked via internet and found out the duck was a Mallard. I don't know how it got there, the mom or any other ducklings weren't in sight.

So what do I feed the duckling and what type of bedding does it need? I need a duck whisperer!

Answer 1

u need to contact the local humane society right away and get help in contacting a wildlife refuge who can come to get the bird. there are federal laws prohibiting you from keeping the wild duckling. it has to be turned over to a specialist that will know the specific diet for that breed, age has a lot to do with the diet it needs. i hope you can contact someone before things shut down for the 4th of July if it applies to you where you live.

for now offer him/her fresh water and some dark green leaf lettuce. those things will not harm him at all. watch for strange or odd behavior, and if you see anything odd at all please call a 24 hr vet hospital.

it might be a good thing to rush the duckling into the 24 vet hospital now so he can be turned over to the right people by the vet.

Answer 2

Cook it.

Answer 3

Get a nice box big enough for it to walk, turn, and possibly fly easily. Line it with paper towels and then use sawdust or shreded newspaper. You will need to feed it everyday 20-30 minutes for eight hours straight.. To feed it, cut a straw down the middle halfways. So it kinda makes a spoon. For food take 1/4 cup of your cat or kitten food and soak it in water. Then put it in a cup and mush it. To get the duck to eat tap on the outside of the boz lightly or tap lightly on it's beak. It will probably need a heat lamp too. It has to be able to bend so light will be in the box. Keep the box in your house. every day try to get the duckling to swim and it you do see the mom imediatley but the duckling.

Answer 4

If it still has its babby feathers and has not molted, its to young to take care of its self. put it in a hutch or shelter inside or under atree.make sure cats cant get in.call a local rehabilatater who works whith poltry. the duck might be able to eat lettuce.

Answer 5

No leave it alone. It is wild and can take care of itself. Keep cats away..

Answer 6

should should take it to a vet the first chance you get i deff would they would know how to care for it also i read that you can just buy duck food and thy will eat that