Duck...HELP!

LilRhody · Feb 19, 2001

O.K. folks. Here is my dilema; I just took "custody" of a domesticated Mallard. The duck is about one year old; does not know how to fly or swim; and only eats store bought food. Its name is Howard and he thinks he is a DOG. Here is the true sad part...Howard's owner killed himself last week, because, his wife was cheating on him with another woman. This guy's wife took her lover and the kids to live in Michigan. He could not cope with this set-up. No one wanted the duck, so, the local animal control officer grabbed it. After a few days, still no takers, so, a suggestion was to make it dinner. I offered to take Howard and try to assimilate him back into the wild. WHAT DO I DO??? Right now he is in the wood shed (I've got two dogs that wanted to 'play' with him, so, I could not keep him in the solarium). Gonna be below 32 tonight, but, I was told Howard lived outside with no shelter before. Any help would be appreciated.
P.S. The dinner option has not been ruled out...

Steve in RI

GrantMO · Feb 19, 2001

LilRhody,
I don't think you'll be able to convert him into a wild duck. Until you decide what to do with him, he's okay outside with food and water, or in your shed.

jimmoore · Feb 19, 2001

LilRhody, I have raised many ducks and other fowl. I would find someone who has domestic ducks and see if they would take him. If you put him with other ducks, he would eat what they eat when he gets hungry enough. Believe me, ducks have short memories. He would soon forget his past life as a "dog"

jim

Caretaker · Feb 19, 2001

LilRhody,

Another option is to contact what's called a wildlife rehabilitator. Most states have 'em, they take care of orphaned & injured wildlife until the critter's are ready to go back to the wild. Probably the easiest way to find your nearest one is through the local Game & Fish department - give G&F a call or check their website (look under your state goverment, then look for G&F). Also check with a local vet - most of them know the wildlife rehab'ers.

All of the wildlife rehab'ers I've known were paid by the state - it shouldn't cost you anything the get Howard heading back to the wild...

Good luck,

Dave Wells

Thomas · Feb 20, 2001

Do you have a wildlife rehab center in which they could help.

Thomas..NH /w3tcompact/icons/wink.gif

Blu21 · Feb 20, 2001

How about a local zoo?

Boondox · Feb 20, 2001

Dinner.

Pete

Boondox · Feb 21, 2001

So what ever happened to the duck?

LilRhody · Feb 21, 2001

So far things are looking good for Howard. Seems to be eating the feed that we bought for him. Quacks at my two dogs through the glass sliders (pretty funny). My wife is a little freaked by Howard's 'stalking' abilities, but, she wants to try and keep him. Not sure if we have a rehab facility. He looks like a Mallard drake, however, he has a purple head rather than the teal/green I've been reading about in the identification links. I'll post some pictures tomorrow.

Steve in RI (mmmm Duck L'Orange)

jimmoore · Feb 21, 2001

Steve, you ouht to keep "ole Howard". Go and buy him a hen duck of any kind about his size. A small enclosure and a small dog house for living quarters and maybe a childs wading pool about 2 feet in diameter and you are all set. Their antics will never cease to amuse you. If lil ducklings should happen along, just that much more fun. I have a large goose that thinks he is "people". If we work in the yard, we have to pen him up because he is always under foot. The other geese go down to the water and do "goose things" but he will turn and come straight to where the people are.

jim