If ducklings get separated from their mother, should I help?

Question

I recently came into an isolated conflict with this out-of-towner (I live on a lake in NY state) who strongly felt that ducklings (very young) are able to live on their own, EVEN WHEN ISOLATED - that is, without any mother duck present. Was it morally and legally right for me to attempt to help the duckling get to Animal Control (or a animal care center)?

**Please cite websites if you have them!! Thanks!!

Answer 1

I believe it was right but you have to know something. A duckling's parents will go out foraging for a little while so they will be back soon. So you could of done something that was right or wrong. Sorry. Also, a mother duck will never abandon it's chick.

Answer 2

Ducklings, and other wild animal babies, usually spend a good bit of time alone while their parents are out foraging.  

Leave wild animals alone.  They live in nature and must learn to deal with the conditions they get.  

Did you actually contact Animal Control? What did they say?  Leave wild animals alone probably.  

Call your local Wildlife Rehabilitation Center.  They can give you specific info.  Or check on the web for Animal Rehabilitation.  

Now, think about the predators going hungry because you took their dinner.  Do you want to make life harder for Hawks and Owls and Bocats?  

Don't get all emotionally involved.  Sit and observe.

Answer 3

Mother ducks will lead their ducklings to water soon after hatching and this may mean crossing roads. If you see this situation it can be very difficult to help without spreading the ducklings around and the mother is likely to fly off.

Slowly and carefully herding the family group to water is probably the most effective. However, if separation does occur the ducklings can be put in an open-topped box and then left until the mother returns, then gently release the ducklings from the box so that they are back together as a group. The mother will be keeping an eye on you and will return when she believes you are at a safe distance.

If you are ABSOLUTELY SURE that the ducklings are orphaned or abandoned then please contact our 24-hour Cruelty and Advice line 0300 1234 999 to report the incident. In the meantime, however, keep the ducklings contained, warm and dry - NEVER put them on water without their mother.

Answer 4

Mother ducks don't abandon their babies. I will never understand why people think animals will do what people will do. Mama duck was hiding from you. It was not right for you to try to help the ducks. You needed to leave so mama duck could take care of her babies.

Answer 5

do nothing there instincts will kick in.