When can I move ducklings out of the brooder?

[AlyfromAlabama]

Hi there,
I rescued some mallard duck eggs that were abandoned a few weeks ago. We think the local fox might’ve gotten the momma duck (very sad). I now have two very energetic and healthy mallard ducklings that will be 3 weeks old in four days. Currently, I’ve been keeping them in the screened in porch during the day and in the brooder box at night. Both areas have a heat lamp. My goal is to get them ready to be released back to the lake that we live on when they can fly. However, they seem to be quickly outgrowing their brooder box and I’m wondering at what age they shouldn’t be kept in it at night anymore? Im doing my best to learn as fast as I can and I would appreciate any advice you could give me.

 

[EverythingDucks]

I'd say at about 5 weeks old. The more outside time they get the better. If you have a x-pen you could set up outside, you can let them forage in there and learn how to get food. Try to limit your interaction with them if they are to be released. I would like to foster some wild ducklings from the animal rescue so i have tons of info on this

 

[Isaac 0]

Hand-Reared Ducklings/Ducks often die or fare very poorly when released into the wild.

 

[EverythingDucks]

Maybe contact the local animal rescue and ask if you could foster them. This way they'd have the best chance of survival and you could still take care of them

 

[viennaproto]

Hello there! Those little duckies will not survive if you release them into the pond again. They have no survival skill or wild instincts. Do you have a wildlife conservation near you? They will take them. I would also be happy to take them if you live in the New York area.

 

[Pollo Blanco]

Maybe contact the local animal rescue and ask if you could foster them. This way they'd have the best chance of survival and you could still take care of them

What should he do if they say 'No'?

 

[viennaproto]

What should he do if they say 'No'?

Are you willing to keep her? If not, post on here, post on facebook, see if anyone in your town or surrounding towns would be willing to take her in.

 

[viennaproto]

Are you willing to keep her? If not, post on here, post on facebook, see if anyone in your town or surrounding towns would be willing to take her in.

Oops sorry just realized you were not the thread starter. that is what i suggest if they say no though.

 

[EverythingDucks]

What should he do if they say 'No'?

Honestly I'm not sure. Like I've mention though, I'd like to foster some ducklings so of course I'd have to have some reasons to let me do so. Ducklings are born precocial, which means they can move, get food, and already have feathers, unlike baby squirrels, rabbits, and songbirds. These animals require expert care 24/7, and when so many ducklings arrive, vets and professional animal rescuers cant care for the animals that take the most care. Also, ducklings take up quite a lot of space. By fostering ducklings, the people that need to be caring for those other animals can do so. Right now, they aren't as man y people working at rescues, and the ones that are, are busy with ducklings.

 

[EverythingDucks]

Another thing, when they are having outside time, scatter some food in the grass. This way they learn to forage and look for food on their own.