Rescuing ducks and adopting adults???

[BlueO]

Hay! So I a thinking of adopting some ducks. Also is it ok to catch *domestic* ducks from a pond? Once I went to this pond that had a large flock domestic ducks and wild ducks. The domestic ducks must have been released there by someone who didn’t want them. It was in the city as well. I’d really rather not go back to this lake (it was really sketchy and some guy told us to give him his money and we’ve never seen him before) but I’d be willing to go back for ducks! duck math is real and I thought instead of getting new ducklings I should maybe rescue some. Also I know you have to quarantine ducks that you rescue, but do you have to quarantine ducks that you purchase (from craigslist)? Also, what is the best way to quarantine ducks? Any help on how to rescue ducks and how to integrate adult ducks into your current flock would be very appreciated! What has worked for you for those of you have done either of these things?

Any help would be very appreciated! Thank you!

 

[BantyChooks]

Quarantine all new birds regardless of source. I would not rescue abandoned ducks as sadly the disease risk is high, especially with the recent avian flu outbreaks; ducks can carry it but remain asymptomatic. I’d recommend either choosing a reputable animal rescue or buying from a hatchery that has health protocols in place. That said, it’s a personal choice and I have rescued birds before - not without consequences though. My flock contracted a respiratory disease.

To minimise risk, quarantine at LEAST for 4 weeks, preferably 8. Keep them in a separate area, using separate equipment. Don’t wear the same shoes or clothes between groups and wash your hands frequently. You want separate air space so don’t put them in a pen nearby your coop. A true quarantine is quite difficult to pull off and most people, I’d say, have non-ideal practices that put their flock at risk.

Ultimately it’s about the level of risk you accept. My standard (for chickens) is 4wks quarantine with deworming and preventative louse treatment as part of that.

 

[BlueO]

Quarantine all new birds regardless of source. I would not rescue abandoned ducks as sadly the disease risk is high, especially with the recent avian flu outbreaks; ducks can carry it but remain asymptomatic. I’d recommend either choosing a reputable animal rescue or buying from a hatchery that has health protocols in place. That said, it’s a personal choice and I have rescued birds before - not without consequences though. My flock contracted a respiratory disease.

To minimise risk, quarantine at LEAST for 4 weeks, preferably 8. Keep them in a separate area, using separate equipment. Don’t wear the same shoes or clothes between groups and wash your hands frequently. You want separate air space so don’t put them in a pen nearby your coop. A true quarantine is quite difficult to pull off and most people, I’d say, have non-ideal practices that put their flock at risk.

Ultimately it’s about the level of risk you accept. My standard (for chickens) is 4wks quarantine with deworming and preventative louse treatment as part of that.

Ok thank you! It sounds like I will not be rescuing ducks. If I do get new ones I plan on getting them checked out by a vet first. I will probably quarantine the ducks in my barn or my garage and those are very far from my duck coop.

 

[BantyChooks]

Ok thank you! It sounds like I will not be rescuing ducks. If I do get new ones I plan on getting them checked out by a vet first. I will probably quarantine the ducks in my barn or my garage and those are very far from my duck coop.

This sounds like a good plan!

 

[AGeese]

My personal opinion is unless they're from a neighbor, I wouldn't rescue any fowl unless that's going to be your thing. For example "BlueO's Fowl Rescue and Reserve". If you're just wanting to add more ducks I'd go the safer route and order them.

 

[AGeese]

*and not to discorage you from using the rehome forum, especially to anyone without birds.

I am sort of in this position however I ordered pullets, and probably should have went with chicks. One under went stress and can't be intrgrated until she gets her strength, the others are too dominant to integrate so I'm tending two groups, and a pullet which with a 40 hour week can take a lot out of me especially during poor weather or if I'm feeling under it.

So just some thoughts, good luck with your decision.

 

[BlueO]

Thank you for all the help! I’m going to adopt a duck from craigslist. Turns out the seller is ready for me to come pick it up today so I’m gonna set up a quarantine area in my garage and we’ll see how it goes!

 

[BlueO]

Also, I was going to add some electrolytes into the ducks water when she gets here just to help with her transition. Do you think that’s a good idea?

 

[AGeese]

Also, I was going to add some electrolytes into the ducks water when she gets here just to help with her transition. Do you think that’s a good idea?

Yes, and if I were you I would stock up on fowl first aid if you don't already have a kit. Then you're not scrambling to get things if it turns out you need something for it or your whole flock.