LOST AND SAD DUCK AT THE PARK

[Rashanda]

Today at the park some big ducks were attacking a medium duck, I got into the lake and got him out so no one would hurt him but the duck was crying and felt lost. Some guys said that someone just left it there, so we brought him home because he was not okay.The weird thing is that if someone leaves the house or if I'm not close to the duck he starts panicking and crying. I dont know what to do and he does not stop scratching himself so my mom sprayed caged bird spray for mites and lices and I think that made it worst. If any one knows why is he acting like this and why is he scratching himself a lot please tell me. Also I don't know what to give him to eat I tried to give him some food like tomatoes and corn but I think that is to big for him so I'm assuming he is still young, what can I give him? Thank You!

 

[mettafour]

You can get it some poultry feed, feed it some scrambled eggs, my ducks love dandelion buds, or edible weeds in water, bugs, worms, slugs. Make sure it has water deep enough that it can dip its entire bill under the water.

 

[Mum]

Welcome to the forums

Can you post a picture of the duck? That way, forum members could try and identify the breed and try to give you an idea of its age.

 

[Miss Lydia]

One thing you don't want to do is take it back to the lake, you are our hero for rescuing it, Did your mom look at the ducks skin? or at it's feather shafts? if it has mites they will appear as very tiny blk pepper on his skin or lice they will be attached to his feather shafts under wings around vent, to rid the duck of these you need to get to the skin with the spray. As someone said it's very important that you give this duck a bucket or bowl deep enough for it to be able to wash out it's nares and eyes. and depending on age of the duck/duckling it can eat the same feed as chickens just try not to get layer feed. And all flock feed would be better. Probably the reason it is cryng and panicking is because it is terrified and needs alot of reassurace that it will be okay. Ducks are social animals and really need another of their kind to feel good about themselves, so if it's not feasable to get him a buddy maybe you can find a farm or rescue that would take him in and find him a great forever home. Maybe give him some swim time usually ducks don't get external parasites if they have swimming water. but if he is young don't let him in water without supervision. Ducklings that aren't fully feathered can become soaked and drown. All the best! Please post back and let us know how he's doing and with pics if you can.

 

[Amiga]

Duck hero!

Keep us posted!

The scratching may be nervousness. You may want to clean the cage of the insecticides, they may be problematic. I am not familiar with those products, so I am just guessing worse case.

Ducks are social, and your new duck is being traumatized by loss of its family, loss of its home, being kidnapped (it doesn't know yet how much you care about it), hunger, and who knows what.

A nice lukewarm bath (don't worry, ducks poop in bathwater, though) will help quite a bit.

Thawed frozen peas are a nice treat. Not too many at once, but it can help ducks feel better.

 

[Diamond88]

You're so wonderful for rescuing that poor duck! You've come to the right place with your questions, too. Everyone here is very knowledgeable. Like Amiga said, the duck is still very scared, so that's why it's crying so much. He's probably terrified of you, but even more terrified of what could happen when you're not around. Give him food and water and stay close to him when you can, so he feels comforted by your presence. Some people say their ducks relax when they sing to them. Eventually he'll learn that you won't hurt him.

 

[desertdarlene]

The duck is very stressed out and probably confused and scared. Some birds will scratch and pull feathers or down out of stress. It sounds like its human imprinted, which means it was probably dumped there.

 

[ldutch123]

I just can't believe someone would take a non wild duck and leave it at a park. It breaks my heart. What a wonderful thing you happened to be there.

 

[zooweemama]

Oh you guys are the sweetest!! I love reading stories where people rescue these little guys. I think a nice warm bath (ducks poop a lot) and some thawed peas, maybe a little scrambled egg for protein until you can get to the feed store for some feed. If you post a pic like Mum suggested we might be able to help you with type of duck and even age. It may help us help you more so you can give it proper care. If you guys are prepared to take the little one on- if you can find it a buddy that's helpful. But if not- call around to some local shelters and they should be able to help find it some place to go. So so sweet of you guys to go help that poor little guy!

 

[Miss Lydia]

Today at the park some big ducks were attacking a medium duck, I got into the lake and got him out so no one would hurt him but the duck was crying and felt lost. Some guys said that someone just left it there, so we brought him home because he was not okay.The weird thing is that if someone leaves the house or if I'm not close to the duck he starts panicking and crying. I dont know what to do and he does not stop scratching himself so my mom sprayed caged bird spray for mites and lices and I think that made it worst. If any one knows why is he acting like this and why is he scratching himself a lot please tell me. Also I don't know what to give him to eat I tried to give him some food like tomatoes and corn but I think that is to big for him so I'm assuming he is still young, what can I give him? Thank You!

We're all waiting for an update? hope all is well.