Ducks T

True or false?

Chlorinated swimming pools are harmful to ducks and their young

Orphaned ducklings should be taken to the nearest pond

Mother Duck will reject her young if they have been touched by humans

Ducks are not beneficial to your backyard

Each year we get many calls from well meaning people that see a mallard mother walking down the street with her young following behind. They want the ducks to be relocated to the nearest pond or lake where they believe ducks should be living.

The seclusion of somebody's backyard provides a much safer environment for a mother to raise her young. Many ponds and lakes are contaminated, so the chlorinated water of a swimming pool provides a clean place for the babies to learn to swim.
Any backyard that is home to a duck will be snail free!




		This domestic duck came in from the West Valley Animal Shelter. She had been attacked by multiple male ducks in her resident pond .

If an adult duck allows herself to be caught and is relocated, this could be a death sentence. She could be attacked by multiple resident males which can result in her drowning. In the very least, she could sustain injuries to her head and neck which can lead to infection and temporary blindness resulting in starvation.


Relocation is not an option!

Mallards are protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty which prohibits relocation. Even when a mother duck and her babies are trying to cross a busy street, don't try to capture them! This may result in the mother flying away and leaving her scattered babies behind. Instead, if it is safe to do so, try to stop traffic and allow them to cross and go on their way. Any truly orphaned ducklings need to be given to a licensed rehabilitator for care until they are old enough to be released.

Out of an average clutch of 13, less than half are expected to survive. Most mallard mothers are able to fend off neighborhood cats, however dogs can wipe out a whole family. Other predators may include owls, seagulls, ravens but most importantly misinformed citizens. Many people think if the ducklings have had human contact, the mother will reject them. This is just not true! As long as the mother is given a chance to be reunited with her offspring, the family will remain intact.



After antibiotics and several weeks of care she made a full recovery.(6/2004)

Important tip. If you like to go to your local pond to feed the domestic ducks and geese, invest in a bag of duck mash, found at your local feed store. This is far more nutritious for the birds than bread, which can be potentially harmful if they eat too much.


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	Copyright © 2004 Nicky Thole/Karin Beer-Koller ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. For viewing purposes only. Downloading for commercial use will be prosecuted to the full extent of the law.