If I were to hatch duck eggs then release them at a lake where ducks thrive would this be OK? Would they be OK without a mother? I would only release after several weeks and are grown some and stable.
2007-03-18 06:23:33 · 7 answers · asked by dragonfire5022 1 in Pets ➔ Birds
we live in the city
2007-03-18 06:37:17 · update #1
Don't do it, if you are going to hatch domestic ducklings you must ensure that you can take care of them for the duration of their lives. Not only are the ducklings likely to die if you release to soon, or next winter ( maybe, depending on where you are) but they do not belong in the wild, it's because of this type of action you find all sorts of genetic polution in many wild duck populations. At best they are competing for the same rescources as the wild ducks. Then if you plan on obtaining and hatching wild duck eggs, that would be illegal since they are protected.
2007-03-18 06:56:47 · answer #1 · answered by crazy.carabid 4 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Hi there. Duck eggs like any eggs need a constant temperature, humidity, and turning. Not all incubators are accurate. Hand feeding would require feedings every 1-2 hours around the clock. Ducks that are not raised by their mother or another mother that is a duck will not learn the skills to survive. Given the difficulty and the likelihood that these ducklings may die before hatching, it is probably best if you choose another endeavor. Have a great year and do your research before you make a commitment.
2007-03-24 17:32:10 · answer #2 · answered by firestarter 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Wild ducklings need both their parents, as well as other flock members, at least until they are more than old enough to fly (usually in the fall). Domestically raised ducks, tame breeds or wild, should never be released onto a wild pond. They might make it on a pond in a sheltered city park with very careful human intervention, once they are fully grown. But, if you raise them, they will be "imprinted" on you. This means that they may have no fear of humans, or other pets present when they were young. They could walk right up to a hunter, a cat, a dog, a hungry homeless person, or an unsupervised child. Raising baby birds that can survive in the wild is difficult, and expensive, even for an experienced ornithologist, and people working under their supervision. I would not try it.
2007-03-20 13:17:21 · answer #3 · answered by Anon E. 1 · 0⤊ 1⤋
If you can't care for them for the rest of their lives, then don't hatch them out! If you want to go and see ducklings then there is more than likely a city farm near where you live.
Domestic ducks cannot survive on their own in the wild. They will starve to death, and if not then they will also interbreed with wild ducks, which is never good.
2007-03-18 16:35:48 · answer #4 · answered by Helena 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
That would work we've done it a few times before just be sure they are a breed that already lives in the area. But wait to let them go til they can fly so they can get away from predators otherwise its a death sentence without parents to protect them. I raised a couple Mallards 2 years ago on my farm and just figured I'd let them roam and leave when they wanted but they never left-they are happy living with my chickens I guess.
2007-03-18 14:02:12 · answer #5 · answered by ashley k 2 · 0⤊ 2⤋
they should grow and b happy there
but i suggest that giving them away in the local paper or asking for a few dollars each
2007-03-18 13:29:49 · answer #6 · answered by puddoms 2 · 0⤊ 4⤋
I think you should let them go free.Imagine how you would feel if you were given away.
2007-03-18 13:33:28 · answer #7 · answered by Wendy N 2 · 0⤊ 4⤋