Q&A for How to Feed Wild Baby Ducks

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We found a lost baby duckling. How can we take good care of it overnight, and will the mother duck come back in the morning?

Conch bossinus

Community Answer

If it is small, grab a box box, add some heated tissues, and put the duck in there. Give it some water and very finely chopped celery. It is unlikely the mother will return, but you can keep an eye out. If the mother does not return, contact a bird rescue.

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Question

What can I feed wild adult ducks?

Silvertheprophecy

Community Answer

A duck's diet varies greatly, and they accept many types of foods. This includes grains, fruits, vegetables and fish. Make sure the food pieces are small, as ducks aren't capable of chewing or tearing food apart. Never use bread as it can be harmful to them.

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Question

We have a duck that nested in the bushes in front of our house and has 12 eggs. Should we be feeding the mother duck anything while she is sitting on the nest? We did put a bowl of water near the nest.

Community Answer

You can, but she'll probably find food herself. Make sure not to scare her away; many ducks are afraid of humans.

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Question

How do you get them to actually eat?

Community Answer

You have to approach slowly and steadily, and make sure you don't anger the mom.

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Question

There has been a decline in the numbers of baby mallard chicks over the last two years in the valley where I live. There is a natural stream. We have foxes and badgers, so I wonder if that is the reason?

Community Answer

The population of the predators probably increased or the birds realized that it was not a safe place for them to lay so they relocated elsewhere. However, there is also a bird decline in many areas of the world. Try contacting your local ornithology society to find out what advice they might have.

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Some children found a new hatchling floating in the pond where we live. They thought it was dead but it still had movement. I dried it off and wrapped it in a wash cloth. So what do I do now?

Adele Orr

Top Answerer

Put it back. The duckling will be healthier and happier in the wild. If you absolutely think the mother is dead, contact a licensed animal rescue.

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How do I look after an orphaned baby duck and how can I take it on public transport to get it home? I found it on holiday domestically.

Adele Orr

Top Answerer

If you don't see the mother, it might just be swimming around, or might be hiding from you. In either case, you should put the duckling back. If you see the mother is dead, or the baby has been on its own for a while or is sick, contact a licensed animal rescue.

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Question

I found an injured wood duck and we have taken him home but do not know what to feed it or how to. How do we get it to eat?

Adele Orr

Top Answerer

Bring the duck to a licensed animal rescue. They can provide veterinary care and food that is specialized to the duck, and potentially release the duck back to the wild when it is healed.

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Question

A mallard laid nine eggs that hatched in our totally fenced yard. They cannot get out, so we are feeding them and have provided a wading pool. We hope they will fledge. Anything we can do to help?

Matthew Yang

Community Answer

It's great you created a habitat! Just continue feeding them and filling their a wading pool. Happy ducks in you backyard indicates your backyard has a very good and healthy ecosystem.

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