[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":1358},["ShallowReactive",2],{"item:\u002Fwildlife\u002Fkeeping-pet-ducks-and-geese":3,"platform:site":794},{"id":4,"title":5,"authors":6,"body":11,"canonical":717,"category":718,"categorySlugs":726,"cid":727,"cover":728,"description":732,"extension":733,"featured":734,"language":735,"meta":736,"navigation":737,"noindex":734,"ogImage":738,"path":739,"publishedAt":740,"recipe":717,"related":741,"revisedAt":717,"seo":767,"seoDescription":732,"seoTitle":5,"sortKey":717,"sources":768,"stem":772,"tagSlugs":773,"tags":779,"translations":790,"type":791,"url":792,"__hash__":793},"platformItems\u002Fplatform\u002Fitems\u002F694.md","Pet Duck Ownership: A Comprehensive Guide to Imprinting and Humane Care",[7],{"name":8,"slug":9,"role":10},"Sam Cooper","sam-cooper","author",{"type":12,"value":13,"toc":669},"minimark",[14,19,23,28,31,34,53,61,67,70,77,82,84,88,95,98,101,105,108,111,115,126,133,137,140,146,151,153,159,163,166,169,172,175,179,223,227,238,245,251,256,258,262,265,269,272,276,279,283,286,289,293,296,302,305,309,312,319,324,328,331,369,373,376,382,408,414,417,420,423,426,432,443,449,460,466,480,486,489,495,498,504,507,510,513,516,522,525,531,536,538,542,545,549,552,555,558,568,571,575,578,582,585,590,595,597,601,604,608,611,615,618,622,625,629,632,639,644,646,650,653,659,664],[15,16,18],"h2",{"id":17},"getting-started-with-pet-ducks","Getting Started with Pet Ducks",[20,21,22],"p",{},"This guide aims to equip you with essential knowledge for maintaining the health and well-being of pet ducks, from the delicate duckling stage through maturity. Drawing on personal experience and reputable sources, I will provide in-depth information and direct you to additional resources so you can become the most effective waterfowl caretaker possible.",[24,25,27],"h3",{"id":26},"what-does-a-species-centered-approach-mean","What Does a Species-Centered Approach Mean?",[20,29,30],{},"The guidance offered here emphasizes nurturing, housing, and engaging with other species in ways that prioritize their optimal welfare.",[20,32,33],{},"Within this article, you will discover the following topics and answers:",[35,36,37,41,44,47,50],"ul",{},[38,39,40],"li",{},"What is daily life like with pet ducks?",[38,42,43],{},"How to raise and care for ducks in an ethical manner.",[38,45,46],{},"Essential knowledge for raising ducklings.",[38,48,49],{},"Understanding the imprinting process.",[38,51,52],{},"Expert tips for housing, feeding, and looking after ducks.",[20,54,55],{},[56,57],"img",{"alt":58,"height":59,"src":60,"width":59},"",1187,"\u002Fpics\u002F160a22bf9e0fde51e86e.webp",[20,62,63],{},[64,65,66],"em",{},"Our two duck hens: Chai, front (khaki Campbell) and Emily, back (Indian runner).",[20,68,69],{},"(Photo by Shanti Perez)",[20,71,72],{},[56,73],{"alt":58,"height":74,"src":75,"width":76},1159,"\u002Fpics\u002Fb3cbe1312f4746935263.webp",1600,[20,78,79],{},[64,80,81],{},"My pet duck Louise, a buff Orpington, rests her chin on the seat of a picnic table.",[20,83,69],{},[15,85,87],{"id":86},"what-is-daily-life-like-with-pet-ducks","What Is Daily Life Like with Pet Ducks?",[20,89,90,91,94],{},"Ducks are charming yet messy creatures. Their fluffy appearance as ducklings can be deceiving. Like rubber duckies, real ducklings come in many colors; unlike rubber duckies, real ducks defecate ",[64,92,93],{},"everywhere, constantly",". And that's just the beginning.",[20,96,97],{},"Keeping pet ducks is both an intense learning curve and a joyful, fulfilling experience. Ducks, similar to other pets, can be companions that enrich our daily lives. They uplift our spirits and bring tranquility to the environment. With proper upbringing, a duck can become a person's closest friend—a waddling angel in disguise that can learn to play fetch and even accompany us on car rides during errands. Besides being entertaining to observe, ducks contribute fertilizer to your garden and help eliminate insects.",[20,99,100],{},"A typical day with pet ducks starts with releasing the flock from their predator-proof housing into a secure pen in the morning, followed by feeding and providing fresh water and treats. It might also involve waking up to change a duck's diaper and\u002For preparing a bath for an indoor duck.",[24,102,104],{"id":103},"is-raising-ducks-simple","Is Raising Ducks Simple?",[20,106,107],{},"From my own experience with both imprinted and non-imprinted pet ducks, I have learned that raising ducks is a serious responsibility requiring great care. Over recent years, I've spent thousands of dollars on veterinary care and driven an injured Indian runner duck named Mary hundreds of miles to a hospital specializing in exotic pets. I cradled little Mary as she passed away. I also wept when I lost one of my girls, Dali, to a predator, and I've laughed with immense joy at my flock's antics—they are truly good medicine.",[20,109,110],{},"Through trial and error, I've discovered what works and what doesn't. I've logged many hours of hard work under the hot sun, sweat stinging my eyes, emptying and refilling water containers, changing straw, and digging for worms to delight them.",[24,112,114],{"id":113},"pet-ducks-versus-ducks-raised-for-meat","Pet Ducks Versus Ducks Raised for Meat?",[20,116,117,118,121,122,125],{},"Information for ",[64,119,120],{},"pet"," ducks differs significantly from what is published for ",[64,123,124],{},"commercial duck farming",". As someone who keeps ducks, I've had to discard preconceived notions—even lessons from the farm where I grew up—as I had absorbed several myths about domestic ducks and mistaken them for truths. These past five years have been an intensive course in waterfowl care.",[20,127,128,129,132],{},"Keeping pet ducks is not the same as raising ducks for slaughter. Naturally, I believe all ducks should be pets. Books about raising animals for meat do not delve into animal personalities or the common-sense observations that connect humans and other species. Fortunately, some books are written with the close care of pet ducks in mind, such as ",[64,130,131],{},"The Ultimate Pet Duck Guidebook: All the things you need to know before and after bringing home your feathered friend"," by Kimberly Link, president of Majestic Waterfowl Sanctuary, which I strongly recommend.",[24,134,136],{"id":135},"what-kind-of-environment-does-a-duck-require","What Kind of Environment Does a Duck Require?",[20,138,139],{},"Ducks must be housed in areas that are thoroughly swept and\u002For vacuumed, free of even the smallest bits of plastic, metal, string, or anything a duck might swallow. Ducks are infamous for eating shiny objects, which can cause heavy metal toxicity, leading to paralysis and agonizing deaths from organ failure. Even a single penny or bobby pin can be lethal to your duck! Ingesting foreign objects can also happen in neglected yards and foraging spots. Below, I provide a detailed list of what a duck needs in its environment.",[20,141,142],{},[56,143],{"alt":58,"height":144,"src":145,"width":76},2255,"\u002Fpics\u002F224d58aa14d04a6bdd54.webp",[20,147,148],{},[64,149,150],{},"Imprinted Cayuga drake Augie March – King of Doodles.",[20,152,69],{},[154,155,156],"blockquote",{},[20,157,158],{},"There is a difference between the information you’ll find for pet ducks and the information that’s published for the purpose of farming ducks for slaughter. Of course, I think all ducks should be pets.",[15,160,162],{"id":161},"understanding-imprinting","Understanding Imprinting",[20,164,165],{},"\"Imprinting\" describes how, after hatching, young birds identify the first being they see as their mother. Birds are born without knowing their species, so they visually imprint on parental figures shortly after birth. They will identify with whatever species they imprint on for life.",[20,167,168],{},"Before imprinting waterfowl, it's crucial to research and gain a basic understanding of duck psychology, especially if you plan to keep an indoor duck. Ducklings often imprint on humans, particularly from hatching until they are up to five days old (though imprinting can sometimes occur later). This is even more likely if no other ducks are present.",[20,170,171],{},"Imprinted ducklings require constant attention. Dreaming of strolling with a duckling at your heels is one thing; waking at 2 a.m. to find duck droppings on your pillow is another. A duckling is like a baby—it will cry out for comfort and care.",[20,173,174],{},"Before considering imprinting, several questions should be addressed.",[24,176,178],{"id":177},"questions-to-ask-yourself-before-imprinting","Questions to Ask Yourself Before Imprinting",[180,181,182,189,195,205,211,217],"ol",{},[38,183,184,188],{},[185,186,187],"strong",{},"Do I have time?"," Being a mother duck is a continuous job lasting several months. During this period, you will need to sleep next to your duckling, eat beside it, play outside for hours with it, keep it warm, prevent it from crying, learn as much duckling communication as possible, and only leave it with an experienced duck-sitter for short periods.",[38,190,191,194],{},[185,192,193],{},"Do I have patience?"," Ducklings poop frequently. They cannot control it, cannot be litter-trained, and cannot be \"disciplined.\" Under no circumstances should a duckling be hit, slapped, or flicked. They are delicate babies with fragile bones and tender bills.",[38,196,197,200,201,204],{},[185,198,199],{},"Do I have the resources?"," A duckling that sees a human as its mother will soon grow into a full-sized duck with adult needs. These include predator-proof space, companionship (ducks cannot be kept alone), veterinary care (often as costly as cat or dog treatment and sometimes harder to find), diaper harnesses and diapers (if kept indoors), and did I mention attention? Above all, an imprinted duck needs ",[64,202,203],{},"you",".",[38,206,207,210],{},[185,208,209],{},"Do I have permission?"," If you have neighbors, parents, landlords, or a partner, it's best to sort out every detail before getting a pet duck. What are your town's zoning laws for keeping fowl?",[38,212,213,216],{},[185,214,215],{},"Am I committed?"," Again, I cannot stress this enough: Do you intend to keep your duck safe for its entire life? Like any other living being, ducks deserve forever homes. In extreme cases, you may be unable to keep your pet. There are waterfowl rescues and duck lovers' groups across the U.S. (and worldwide) that sometimes help in emergencies. However, never assume you will find new parents for your duck, especially if it has special needs.",[38,218,219,222],{},[185,220,221],{},"Will my pet duck(s) be safe around my other pets?"," Do you have dogs or other pets that pose a danger to small animals?",[24,224,226],{"id":225},"further-research","Further Research",[20,228,229,230,233,234,237],{},"If you plan to imprint, you'll need to study. Konrad Lorenz, known as the father of greylag goose imprinting, was an expert ornithologist who meticulously researched how wild goslings imprint on human caregivers. Lorenz wrote ",[64,231,232],{},"Here I Am–Where Are You?–A Lifetime’s Study of the Uncannily Human Behaviour of the Greylag Goose"," (1988), or ",[64,235,236],{},"Hier bin ich – wo bist du?"," translated by Robert D. Martin.",[20,239,240,241,244],{},"While I do not support Lorenz's political views, I highly recommend reading his imprinting studies, including the PBS original documentary ",[64,242,243],{},"My Life as a Turkey",", available for free on the PBS website, which follows nature artist Joe Hutto as he imprinted a flock of wild turkeys left as eggs in a basket on his doorstep.",[20,246,247],{},[56,248],{"alt":58,"height":249,"src":250,"width":76},1071,"\u002Fpics\u002F9bf8c1eac1f54eae682b.webp",[20,252,253],{},[64,254,255],{},"Louise waiting to cross the ferry in Port Townsend, Washington. Note: Never leave pets unattended in vehicles.",[20,257,69],{},[15,259,261],{"id":260},"common-questions-about-imprinting-and-raising-ducks","Common Questions About Imprinting and Raising Ducks",[20,263,264],{},"Here are additional considerations before deciding to get a pet duck.",[24,266,268],{"id":267},"can-you-take-an-imprinted-duck-places","Can you take an imprinted duck places?",[20,270,271],{},"An imprinted duck—one raised by a human from hatching and thus views the human caretaker as a parent—may become used to car rides, as my Louise enjoys. Imprinted ducks might go camping with you (though you must keep them beside you at all times or in a crate) or visit a friend's house for playdates (but avoid farms or public ponds, where they could catch diseases).",[24,273,275],{"id":274},"will-an-imprinted-duck-prefer-humans","Will an imprinted duck prefer humans?",[20,277,278],{},"Some imprinted ducks, like a muscovy hen from Louisiana I had the privilege to \"duck-sit\" during the summer of 2012, are fully acclimated to a human-centered routine and want nothing to do with other waterfowl. Other imprinted ducks—such as my buff duck Louise, my Cayuga drake Augie, or my muscovy drake Sao-Ree—can adjust to a larger flock and choose to stay outside, even in winter (though it's not advisable to expose ducks to severe temperature swings if avoidable, as it can cause pneumonia).",[24,280,282],{"id":281},"do-imprinted-ducks-need-babysitters-when-you-go-away","Do imprinted ducks need babysitters when you go away?",[20,284,285],{},"Pet ducks must be cared for when their people go on vacation. If you plan to leave town, even for a weekend, the ducks must be checked on frequently because they muddy their water and engage in many mischievous activities throughout the day and night. Ducks must also be let out of their predator-proof pens in the morning and put back inside at night.",[20,287,288],{},"At first, I thought finding a duck-sitter would be easy, but many people do not understand the importance of changing water throughout the day or do not wish to deal with emptying large kiddie pools. Some people, believe it or not, are afraid of ducks and geese, and I would be cautious about assigning the task to anyone who shows even a slight fear of waterfowl, as they may neglect care when you're gone. Reliable duck-sitters are rare, but they do exist.",[24,290,292],{"id":291},"what-do-i-do-with-all-the-duck-poop","What do I do with all the duck poop?",[20,294,295],{},"You just have to clean it up. A duck can't be trained to use a litter box.",[24,297,299],{"id":298},"can-i-put-a-diaper-on-a-duck",[185,300,301],{},"Can I put a diaper on a duck?",[20,303,304],{},"If needed, you can put a diaper on your duck to reduce mess, but you'll need to change it every hour or so. While some advertise and sell \"duckling\" diapers, in my experience, ducklings are extremely uncomfortable in diapers before about four to six weeks of age, and putting diapers on tiny ducklings may harm their wings or other body parts. Plus, it's often not worth the expense and struggle, as ducklings grow so fast that by the time they fit one diaper harness, they've outgrown it. I've tried making duckling diapers from socks and stretchy material, but the ducklings wriggle out or they just don't fit right.",[24,306,308],{"id":307},"will-a-duck-come-when-i-call","Will a duck come when I call?",[20,310,311],{},"Duck hens use various calls to gather their brood. You can experiment with which calls ducklings respond to, and you might find that if you make a long, drawn-out \"Quuuuuuaaaaaaaaaaaaack!\" repeated several times, your duckling(s) may run to your side. This is a warning call that signals danger.",[20,313,314],{},[56,315],{"alt":58,"height":316,"src":317,"width":318},942,"\u002Fpics\u002Fdf2bd37079f469669879.webp",1024,[20,320,321],{},[64,322,323],{},"Imprinted buff Orpington duckling Louise rests on the back of the sofa. (Photo by Shanti Perez)",[15,325,327],{"id":326},"what-you-need-to-raise-ducks-properly","What You Need to Raise Ducks Properly",[20,329,330],{},"In short, if you think you want pet ducks, be prepared for a long list of daily chores and concerns.",[35,332,333,336,339,342,345,348,351,354,357,360,363,366],{},[38,334,335],{},"Research waterfowl breeds to determine which type of duck suits you. For instance, if you want to eat duck eggs, choose the right breed.",[38,337,338],{},"Study best practices before and during duck raising.",[38,340,341],{},"Predator-proof building materials and suitable pens for winter and summer housing.",[38,343,344],{},"Veterinary care and bills (find an avian vet who treats ducks before bringing one home). Common emergencies: extreme weather, illnesses, and accidents.",[38,346,347],{},"Feed (which can become costly).",[38,349,350],{},"Time and physical energy to care for your ducks daily.",[38,352,353],{},"Water changes several times per day.",[38,355,356],{},"Fresh bedding.",[38,358,359],{},"A clean environment (free from all metal, plastic, composting and\u002For proper disposal of poop and used bedding, etc.).",[38,361,362],{},"De-icing units for water buckets in winter.",[38,364,365],{},"A dependable duck sitter.",[38,367,368],{},"For indoor ducks: washed diapers and blankets, diaper harnesses.",[15,370,372],{"id":371},"what-does-a-duckling-need-to-survive","What Does a Duckling Need to Survive?",[20,374,375],{},"Here are more details on the necessities for raising baby ducks.",[24,377,379],{"id":378},"water",[185,380,381],{},"Water",[35,383,384,390,396,402],{},[38,385,386,389],{},[185,387,388],{},"A water bowl"," heavy enough to prevent tipping, deep enough for nostril-clearing, yet shallow enough to prevent drowning.",[38,391,392,395],{},[185,393,394],{},"Constantly refreshed water available at all times"," because ducklings can easily asphyxiate on feed mash or choke on vegetation caught in their throats if chopped too large, so they need water to wash food down.",[38,397,398,401],{},[185,399,400],{},"A lifeguard:"," Contrary to common belief, imprinted ducklings and those without duck hen mothers are at risk of drowning because they lack proper oiling. Ducks have an oil gland at the base of their tails. Duck hens oil their ducklings using their own oil glands, which ducklings haven't fully developed the use of; thus, ducklings without mother ducks are prone to becoming wet and weighed down, leading to drowning.",[38,403,404,407],{},[185,405,406],{},"A proper bath:"," If you must bathe ducklings, supervise and provide a shallow bath with \"islands\" to stand on. If the bathing pool is not a bathtub inside your home, then the tub needs safe entrances and exits, like ramps, so they can get in and out whenever they choose.",[24,409,411],{"id":410},"proper-feed",[185,412,413],{},"Proper Feed",[20,415,416],{},"Feed specific to ducks is hard to find and not readily available commercially. One alternative is to research and mix a nutritionally proper feed yourself. A starting point is North Carolina College of Agriculture and Life Science's \"Feeding Ducks\" page. Several commercial feed brands are widely accepted for pet ducks. Even high-end, expensive brands often come from the same manufacturers that make low-end versions marketed under different labels.",[20,418,419],{},"After several years of dealing with egg-laying, molting, and other complications from feeding \"feed store\" brands, I've found the best to be a Certified USDA Organic chicken feed that must be ordered from another state. A local organic farmer places bulk orders of this feed and resells it to the public.",[20,421,422],{},"It's important that ducklings up to three weeks of age receive a diet with 20% protein, found in grower feeds. After three weeks, ducklings may switch to layer mash containing 16% protein.",[20,424,425],{},"My ducks appear healthier on a diet without corn. Many people commit to a non-medicated, non-GMO diet for themselves and their pets, seeking alternatives to commercial feeds. Switching to homemade mixes or making feed changes can be difficult, but with time and effort, it's possible. Once the separate ingredients are collected and combined, offering the new feed may become routine, and the benefits will far outweigh the drawbacks.",[20,427,428,431],{},[185,429,430],{},"AVOID feeding ducklings medicated chick starter:"," Ducklings are more sensitive to some chemicals in medicated chick starters, and ducklings have different eating habits than chicks. Chicks take small pecks while ducks gorge themselves. The amount of medication ducklings consume due to gorging can cause an overdose and lead to complications.",[20,433,434,435,438,439,442],{},"The University of Minnesota reports on their agricultural page about raising ducks that \"Incorrect use of certain medicated feeds formulated for chickens and turkeys could harm ducklings.\" Studies such as \"Anticoccidial drugs and duckling performance to four weeks of age\" are available online in summary. Several sources, including ",[64,436,437],{},"The Poultry Site"," and the Government of Western Australia's Department of Agriculture and Food, report that coccidiosis (a parasitic disease spread through feces) is ",[185,440,441],{},"rare"," in ducks. These studies can be confusing, but investigating the matter is worthwhile. In some cases, game bird starter feed may be ordered through feed stores, particularly in the U.S.",[24,444,446],{"id":445},"healthy-treats",[185,447,448],{},"Healthy Treats",[35,450,451,454,457],{},[38,452,453],{},"DO NOT FEED DUCKLINGS BREAD. Bread is not a good treat for ducklings because it's not nutritious. Most parks departments have installed signs prohibiting feeding migratory waterfowl for this reason and because feeding wild migratory birds prevents them from migrating in winter, leaving them destitute.",[38,455,456],{},"Appropriate treats for ducklings include diced tomatoes, watermelon, broccoli, cauliflower, bok choi, organic dandelion greens, and peas mixed with water. (For a list of treats to feed your duck, read The 10 Best Natural Snacks and Treats for Ducks.)",[38,458,459],{},"Ducklings also enjoy insects, like crickets. Note that spinach, while considered nutritious, is bad for ducks because oxalic acid binds to calcium and other trace minerals in the duck's blood, causing calcium deficiency.",[24,461,463],{"id":462},"a-heat-source-and-schedule",[185,464,465],{},"A Heat Source and Schedule",[35,467,468,471,474,477],{},[38,469,470],{},"Ducklings must be kept warm. Think of the mother hen with her down and feathers and average body temperature between 104-106 degrees Fahrenheit, her wings opened so her brood can huddle next to her for warmth.",[38,472,473],{},"When using a heat lamp, remember there are bulbs for daylight and nighttime. Heat lamps are dangerous and require secure mounting and frequent monitoring to ensure no temperature fluctuations. If ducklings huddle close to the heat lamp, they may be too cold. If they huddle in a far corner of the brooder, the lamp may need to be raised higher away from the ducklings because it may be too hot.",[38,475,476],{},"It's important that ducklings are kept on a daytime\u002Fnighttime schedule matching what's happening outdoors. I have kept single, imprinted ducklings next to me at night on a heating pad covered with a towel and then a fitted sheet, the duckling free to find a perfect spot in folds and layers of fabric where the temperature was just right—as a duckling would do if nestled beneath a duck mother.",[38,478,479],{},"My adult flocks are inside a concrete foundation garage at night with a baby monitor and smoke alarm. During particularly cold nights, they have a 360-degree fan heater set at 70 degrees F. The heater is in the center of the room, about three or four feet off the ground, tied securely to a stand and tethered to a rope connecting to overhead beams, kept clean of feathers and dust.",[24,481,483],{"id":482},"freedom",[185,484,485],{},"Freedom",[20,487,488],{},"In my experience, ducklings do not like to be restrained much, if ever, though they enjoy cuddling inside clothing or on a human mother's lap. Duck hens are a \"canopy of protection\" for their brood, allowing their ducklings to come and go beneath the safety of their hen feathers whenever the ducklings please.",[24,490,492],{"id":491},"bedding",[185,493,494],{},"Bedding",[20,496,497],{},"If you're raising ducklings (or adult ducks), you'll need appropriate bedding like pine shavings, though I've raised most of mine on towels that I've rinsed with a hose and washed in the washing machine with bleach.",[24,499,501],{"id":500},"housing",[185,502,503],{},"Housing",[20,505,506],{},"A safe playpen or housing area.",[20,508,509],{},"The duckling brooder must be free of sharp corners and wire and CANNOT HAVE A WIRE BOTTOM. Wire bottoms cause bumblefoot sores in ducks of any age. Bumblefoot is the development of pus lumps in the sensitive feet of waterfowl, and some other species, causing pain, limping, and possible loss of toes or even death.",[20,511,512],{},"Depending on the infection's severity, ducks may need immediate veterinary care. In other cases, where bumblefoot is not crippling, a neoprene shoe can be created or purchased, and the area kept clean until the foot heals. Surgery to remove bumblefoot is expensive and painful. Prevention is best. (Duck shoes are available online for ducks with sores that may lead to infection, or for those recovering from bumblefoot removal surgery.)",[20,514,515],{},"If ducklings are kept outside with appropriate heat sources, etc., then the pen must be predator-proof, including a secure top with mesh (all around) small enough to prevent all predators and even small birds from entering. The bottom of the pen must be predator-proof as well—the most common way is to dig around the pen at least 18 inches, pour concrete, or embed part of the fencing deep enough that predators cannot burrow into the pen.",[24,517,519],{"id":518},"predator-proofing",[185,520,521],{},"Predator-Proofing",[20,523,524],{},"Please search online for predator-proofing ideas.",[20,526,527],{},[56,528],{"alt":58,"height":529,"src":530,"width":318},685,"\u002Fpics\u002Fe7d974a6854056806e13.webp",[20,532,533],{},[64,534,535],{},"Iliya is a fawn & white Indian runner drake who imprinted on his fellow ducklings.",[20,537,69],{},[15,539,541],{"id":540},"ethical-duck-keeping","Ethical Duck Keeping",[20,543,544],{},"Ethical duck keeping happens when someone decides to raise or care for pet ducks for the right reasons. It's all too common for people to make impulsive decisions about pet ownership. Who can resist the adorable cheeping, the fluffy cuteness of a duckling? But that soft, tiny winged baby you want to pick up and shelter from everything grows up in a matter of weeks. A \"how much is that ducky in the window\" syndrome can lead to harmful scenarios, one being abandonment.",[24,546,548],{"id":547},"_1-can-i-release-my-ducks-into-the-wild-if-i-can-no-longer-care-for-them","1. Can I release my ducks into the wild if I can no longer care for them?",[20,550,551],{},"Many people buy ducklings as Easter gifts or for classroom projects without considering a long-term care plan after they reach adolescence and beyond. Since ducklings grow rapidly and can double or even triple in size within a week, they often end up released at local ponds with so-called \"duck friends,\" where it's assumed they will swim, fly, and otherwise live long, happy lives.",[20,553,554],{},"This is not the case. In most cases, ducklings and domestic ducks released into parks or the wild, even where there are established flocks, end up dead, though in rare cases they might be rescued by waterfowl sanctuaries.",[20,556,557],{},"Abandonment of domestic animals is cruel and possibly illegal. Although local jurisdictions vary, and some don't address the release of domestic ducks and geese into city parks or the wild, it is considered cruelty according to most waterfowl pet enthusiasts and anyone who gives the matter enough thought.",[24,559,561],{"id":560},"_2-why-is-releasing-a-duckling-or-adult-duck-into-a-city-park-with-a-pond-or-into-the-wild-considered-cruel",[185,562,563],{},[185,564,565],{},[185,566,567],{},"2. Why is releasing a duckling or adult duck into a city park with a pond, or into the wild, considered cruel?",[20,569,570],{},"The key point is that there are two different kinds of ducks: domestic ducks and wild, migratory ducks. Most breeds of domestic duck—except muscovies and call ducks—have bodies too large and wings too short to fly. Flying is how wild ducks avoid predators, so releasing domestic ducks into the wild means certain death. Domestic ducks are also tame, not wild, so they won't know how to take care of themselves. Ducklings and full-grown domestic ducks will have no way of protecting themselves in the wild.",[24,572,574],{"id":573},"_3-dont-all-ducks-get-along","3. Don't all ducks get along?",[20,576,577],{},"Flocks of ducks usually follow an established hierarchy (pecking order). It is common for drakes (males) to injure or kill ducklings. Drakes can be territorial and aggressive, especially during mating season. Even if a domestic duck seems big enough to defend itself, it's not. If a drake doesn't attack the duckling, any number of other creatures will, including ravens, crows, dogs, geese, pelicans, snapping turtles, hawks, alligators, and even people.",[24,579,581],{"id":580},"_4-what-about-easter-ducklings","4. What about Easter ducklings?",[20,583,584],{},"Again, please consider an alternative to purchasing live animals as holiday gifts. For more information about ethical waterfowl keeping, please visit Majestic Waterfowl Sanctuary's article database titled Articles About Waterfowl: Responsible Waterfowl Ownership.",[20,586,587],{},[56,588],{"alt":58,"height":249,"src":589,"width":76},"\u002Fpics\u002F123515d8bb4799fb8848.webp",[20,591,592],{},[64,593,594],{},"Augie March, a three-day-old imprinted duckling who grew up to be the leader of my flock.",[20,596,69],{},[15,598,600],{"id":599},"duckling-care-tips","Duckling Care Tips",[20,602,603],{},"Altricial birds are born naked and blind, so they remain dependent on their parents for food and protection. Ducklings are what is known as precocial: able to leave the nest within two days of hatching to chase insects, dabble in water, and run around; however, ducklings are dependent on their mother, from when they are first laid as eggs, for warmth and guidance.",[24,605,607],{"id":606},"how-do-i-care-for-a-duckling-egg-during-the-incubation-period","How Do I Care for a Duckling Egg During the Incubation Period?",[20,609,610],{},"Throughout the incubation period (28 days for mallard-derived breeds, 35 days for muscovies) until hatching, duck hens sit on their brood to keep them warm so they develop inside the egg much as mammals develop inside the womb. Duck hens even communicate with their unhatched chicks through the eggshell using vocalizations, various croons, and clucks. Ducklings hear their mother's voice and begin answering as soon as they've formed vocal structures. In this way, the ducklings form a bond called imprinting—the recognition that this is a mother—which can also occur after the duckling has hatched.",[24,612,614],{"id":613},"does-a-duck-need-company","Does a Duck Need Company?",[20,616,617],{},"Some animals are social, while others are independent. Ducks are highly social, like humans, dolphins, crows, and wolves, among other species. Social animals have an inherent need to be with others of their species from birth until death. Most social animals spend their days and nights foraging, playing, bathing, eating, and napping together. This means a duckling cannot hatch and survive alone.",[24,619,621],{"id":620},"can-a-duckling-be-left-alone","Can a Duckling Be Left Alone?",[20,623,624],{},"A single duckling cannot be left alone in a cage or pen—even with a heat lamp, adequate food, and water—for any length of time beyond what it would take for a human to use the restroom. In fact, when I've imprinted ducklings, they have accompanied me around the house while I've completed various tasks.",[24,626,628],{"id":627},"why-is-my-duckling-crying","Why Is My Duckling Crying?",[20,630,631],{},"When duck mothers wander out of sight, ducklings emit a high-pitched call that sounds like, \"Ee-Ee-Ee-Ee!\" On the Internet, you may find many clips of ducklings, either single or broods, their necks stretched high, their little mouths opening and closing as they utter this \"lost\" call. They do this because they are frightened. The \"lost\" call is a sign of stress and a cry for comfort, so the ducklings need to be returned to safety. This is why human-imprinted ducklings cannot be left alone. If ducklings have imprinted on each other, they may be comfortable once returned to their brooding pen together.",[20,633,634],{},[56,635],{"alt":58,"height":636,"src":637,"width":638},1058,"\u002Fpics\u002Fac3cf685b6e78bf2fc2a.webp",1059,[20,640,641],{},[64,642,643],{},"Sao-Ree, an imprinted muscovy duckling who grew up to be a blue drake.",[20,645,69],{},[15,647,649],{"id":648},"a-rewarding-challenge","A Rewarding Challenge",[20,651,652],{},"Keeping ducks as pets is both rewarding and challenging, but most of all it's a commitment one must be ready to make for the lifetime of the duck(s). Unlike our domesticated cats and dogs, domestic ducks are not as cuddly or dependent, but they become attached to and are reliant upon us in the same ways as our cats and dogs are, requiring protection from the elements and predators, including cars on busy streets. They need attention, proper nutrition, and lifelong interaction with us, their duck mothers or caregivers.",[20,654,655],{},[56,656],{"alt":58,"height":657,"src":658,"width":318},698,"\u002Fpics\u002F94d54f574e21f165365a.webp",[20,660,661],{},[64,662,663],{},"Bella, a Cayuga hen, indulges in sprinkler heaven. (Photo by Shanti Perez)",[20,665,666],{},[64,667,668],{},"This article is accurate and true to the best of the author's knowledge. It is not meant to substitute for diagnosis, prognosis, treatment, prescription, or formal and individualized advice from a veterinary medical professional. 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