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Need advice and info on care, feeding, and release methods for rescued Mallard 3 day old ducklings.

An old fellow on a bicycle came to my house yesterday, with 5 ducklings rescued from the middle of a road. There was no mother around. Neighborhood kids had directed him to my door. I've done some research on feeding, but I want very much to prepare them for eventual release. Of course, I know I can't just dump them in some pond when they get big. Has any of you had experience in wild duck rescue? I have them inside now, and have a 10 x 10 foot dog pen for them when they no longer need an external heat source. All advice welcomed!

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Permalink Reply by Steph S. on May 9, 2012 at 10:46pm

Cool link Lorryslorrys.

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Permalink Reply by Dogly on May 10, 2012 at 9:40am

Thank you all again for good tips, and both the caring, and the culinary advice. Beautiful picture, Napoleon! This is what I have been feeding them: First a gruel of ground oatmeal, whole wheat, corn, walnuts. (I stopped the walnuts after I was told they can't digest them well.) Then hard boiled egg bits coated with nutritional yeast. Minced parsley and greens. Raspberries. Minced shrimp.

I weighed them yesterday - less than 2 g !

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Permalink Reply by Pat on May 10, 2012 at 11:00am

I would think a local feed store would have duck feed. I know that where I live, a number of farmers actually raise domesticated ducks - mostly Muscovy breed. Anyway, the folks at the feed store could probably put you in touch with a local breeder, who could tell you exactly what they need in terms of not only food, but shelter, proper temperature, etc. Old time farmers are a great resource of knowledge.