What the F*** am I going to do with a duck?! There’s a large purple Cadbury’s biscuit tin sitting on the windowsill in my office catching the rays of the sun. Inside is a piece of foam, an old squashed plastic drinks bottle filled with hot water, a load of kapok and a four or five day old duckling.
I was looking out of the window earlier and I noticed Missis Mallard was being bothered by a couple of drakes; we noticed she had had her ducklings on Tuesday and then they looked about a day or so old. There were 10 of them, all brown and gold and very fluffy.
Yesterday I noticed Missis basking on the lawn with her brood, still 10. Today with the advent of the drakes, the family had reduced dramatically and had become split up. So, being a dense human I trot downstairs to reunite them all. I pick up the duckling and plonk him (for want of any real knowledge as to the sexing of ducklings), back with Missis. He can’t seem to keep up, so as I watch he falls behind again and gets lost; so I do the same again…he fails to catch up. Finally the family head for the moat and I grab him and fling him in after the rest. Now I really notice that the poor chap is exhausted. He gamely swims after them but it is no good. He keeps being caught up in the weed and his little wings flap but it is still no good. Missis is soon out of sight and I am faced with a dilemma.
Do I leave him to die or do I “rescue him”. The result will be either he dies which he would have anyway or he survives.
Do I really need a duck? Do I want a duck? Why should I worry about it? Well I interfered and therefore it is now my responsibility – as I said he will either survive or not. He seems OK, tired but the good news he’s snuggled and he’s getting warm.
Outside Missis has five remaining ducklings that I can see, they are tripping up over the daisies as they run around trying to catch insects shaking their heads and squeaking when they lose themselves. Missis seems to have a very laissez faire attitude but every now and then she quacks, they stop and come running….
10 comments:
My mum did the same thing when I was very young, rescuing a duckling from some murderous swans. He was called Fred. But sadly he broke his neck jumping up and down in a rabbit hutch.
What do the dogs think?
You could home rear him, fatten him up.......oh sorry, where was I - for a lovely family pet. Maybe a guard duck ? Does sound incredibly sweet though - we've re-entered the 'Mummy Daddy said we can have a pet lizard' talks....xx
Brilliant you. Cute. Pictues please?
I too cannot help but interfere in nature....sometimes she's busy ('specially spring time) so you've got to help out really.
Any names yet?
I'd have done exactly the same thing as you. I'd love to find a duckling to rescue and for it to come live with us - trouble is the husband would be seriously pissed off at having to dig a pond and build it a cutesy little duck-house...
Ducks are ace! (Upcoming post about geese is another story though.) I think you've done the right thing.
Last year Little Guy and I rescued a teeny baby hedgehog at my mum's. Everyone thought we were mad as it would probably die anyway (it didn't), but you can't just leave them there can you?
Ohhhhhh!!! Would have done just the same... we have a chick in our laundry room as I write... actually its now on the kitchen table because Middle Son has brought him through for a 'run about'. OMG. Picture of duck?? xxx
Of course you couldn't stand there and watch it drown . Too sad .
Can't you get the dog to adopt it ? Then they could appear as the feelgood cuddly feature on the end of the local news .
Good luck with hunting for whatever it is baby ducks eat .... bread or worms ?
AWWW! bless! You were only trying to help.Yes, pics of ducklings please!
Aww that's really lovely of you! I hope he survives :) Having a pet duck would be so cool!
Mud - Dogs were NOT amused!
Belgravia Wife...sort of - he was very sweet but too many animals already to keep him as a pet. Hopefully small lizards..not stonking great Monitor Lizards!!
Lou - always feel terribly guilty by helping out as I know we do more damage than good mostly!
muummmmeeeeee - ooohhh a duck house now that could be interesting wonder if I could get it on expenses....??!!
Expat Mum - No you can't just leave them but I am still not sure that I shouldn't have interfered!
Ladybird World Mother - chicks I can deal with but ducks are boynfd me. Failed to get photos as totally useless with camera...now a little too late.
SmitoniusAndSonata - Dogs not really in mood for adoption yesterday...
Aly - I hope that my help worked!
Livi - having a pet duck would be cool but still beleive wild ducklingsd are better of with their own Mum! Did manage that at least though with misgivings...
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