[Kym503]

A colleague of mine came to me for advice today knowing I keep hens.  However I'm not able to assist him with this so said I'd ask you lot for advice.

He has a wild duck that is nesting in his garden which is enclosed with a high fence.  There are no ponds or water near him and he doesn't know where it's come from.  So far she has laid 4 eggs in a nest under a shrub.  He's very happy to do anything to assist it.  I've suggested he go onto freecycle and try to find a childs sandpit so he can provide water (with suitable ramps etc) but what about food?

He has tried to email the RSPCA but can he wait till they hatch and are a few weeks old before moving them to a suitable location? (assuming they hatch).  What would you all advise?

Many thanks

Kym (on behalf of Richard)

[orchardlady]

Well, how lovely of your friend to encourage the duck. I would suggest that he buys a bag of duck pellets, mixed corn and some oyster shell for the mum for while she broods the eggs and to encourage her to stay in the garden. Once the ducklets have arrived for him to then feed them all (mum and babies) chick crumbs. It will be a small monetary investment for him but it will be well worth the view from the window over the coming weeks. I use a child's sand pit for my ducks and they love it. When they were much smaller I used a roll of wooden garden edging (looks like small logs cut in half and joined together by wire) and a bit of a Heath Robinson affair with bricks to make a ramp and to keep it in the water. He must be very sure the ducklets can get in and out of the water as ducks can drown if they can't get out. Once your friend thinks the ducklings are old enough to meet the big wide world open the garden gate and mum will lead them away.

Orchardlady

[shetan]

if mum doesn't lead them away and he has to release them - make sure he releases the duckings first or there is a chance the mother might fly away from the fear of being captured. if she sees the ducklings she will go after them instead. (saw that on wildlife sos some years ago). tell him best of luck! 

[Sassy]

I would provide her with a bucket/bowl/ ice cream container etc of water as well as the sandpit. Mine love their bucket of water and it is something that can be provided immediately

[jamima]

I had a duck foster me 3 years ago had two sets of ducklings and mother is still here , keep us informed please