We found a family of ducks today; about 5 babies and a mother. They were in a city centre, nowhere near water...but well hidden and enclosed. The thing is, they are about 8stories below ground level (but outdoors)..in a big hole, if that makes sence! There is grass etc for them but we were a bit confused about why they were there and not near water etc...we cant imagine how they get food there. Would it be dangerous (for the ducks) if we moved them to a nice park with water where they would get fed...or does daddy duck visit/would changing their environment confuse them?! Random, i know...but we felt bad about it!
2007-07-14 11:32:20 · 7 answers · asked by sheilarodgersuk 1 in Pets ➔ Birds
Whatever you do do not move them!!
Ducks(mallards in particular) often will nest in urban areas with no obvious source of water however they can usually get enough water from their food and from dew/rain water. You will not be able to move the adult ducks because it is very hard to catch them and if you did catch and move them and their chicks they would most likely abandon their chicks because of the stress, and obviously if you move the chicks with out moving the parents they will quickly die or be killed be predators. If you want to help them stay away from them so you do not attract stray cats and dogs to the area. If the chicks don't survive the parents will most likely hatch another batch of babies later this year.
The bottom line is the best thing you can do for them is to leave them alone.
2007-07-14 12:07:15 · answer #1 · answered by train nut 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I strongly suggest you leave the ducks alone, if they are not in any immediate danger they will leave when the chicks are old enough. I know this is a hard thing to do. But I have associated with bird animal rescue groups and even took some courses on my own.
It is amazing to me how wild animals make it in the cities and yet some how they do. Especially birds which happen to be my favorite topic. :) If you are truely concerned keep a watch on them and if they do seem to be in some sort of danger look in your phone book for a wild life rescue or look online for one local to you. That would be the best course believe me. :)
However I do commend you for your concern and thank you for being so concerned about the ducks. You are awesome! :)
2007-07-14 11:42:02 · answer #2 · answered by T C 2 · 2⤊ 0⤋
ducks r not very good parents at all, they will make nests anywhere not thinking about the babies at all. The mother will fly and peck you if you go near them. Only risk this if the babies r in immediate danger otherwise just keep an eye on them until she moves them closer to water, the babies wont be waterproof until 3 days old.
2007-07-16 02:20:24 · answer #3 · answered by jet 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If the mother duck seems fine with the choice, leave them alone. She knows what she wants. And in some states and places, moving wild ducks or tampering with their nests is against the law. Thank you for caring, and I hope the ducks grow up well and healthy, but you should let them do what ducks do.
2007-07-14 11:38:46 · answer #4 · answered by Jess 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Wild ducks do not nest near water as there are to many predators.
Feed them with mixed corn and give them some water, they will soon fledged and fly off
2007-07-15 03:13:07 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
You could always ring RSPCA and ask for their advice. Maybe they could send someone to check if the duck are alright.
2007-07-14 11:43:14 · answer #6 · answered by Cold Bird 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Unless they looked like they were suffering, your best bet is to just leave them alone.
2007-07-14 11:39:31 · answer #7 · answered by ? 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋