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| Question about Pets:How can I take care of duck eggs in my backyard even though the mama duck is there? |
First, never feed ducks bread, as suggested by someone else. "although Ducks seem to love bread, it is not nutritious. White bread in particular is made from refined flour and is not proper for avian nutrition. Many Ducks suffer from degenerative liver disease because they eat too much."
http://www.kingphilip.org/kphigh/metacom...
Do not place any food near the nest. It could attract predators such as raccoons or crows, both of whom eat eggs and ducklings. If momma has been finding enough food for herself, the ducklings will also.
The chlorine in the pool will not be a problem. "Is chlorine safe for ducks? We asked our veterinarian, our fish doctor and a pond specialist - all say yes, chlorine is safe for ducks and turtles. Not for fish."
http://www.liveducks.com/faqs.html#chlor...
Momma duck will take the babies for a swim when she knows they are ready. The big problem is, it is a pool, not a pond. They will not be able to just walk out of it. You may need to provide a ramp for them to walk up to get out of the water, or the babies could become waterlogged and drown. Make sure it is not slippery, or it will do no good.
Other than that, you need to remember that these are wild animals and resist the temptation to interfere too much. Let nature take its course, and step in only if absolutely necessary. And make sure you do not do anything that makes it look like you are keeping these animals a pets, as they are a protected spedies and it would be illegal for you to keep them.
former volunteer - Avian Rehabilitation Center
Baby mourning dove found almost fully feathered. not eating right? (previous)
How to get rid of birds? (next) |
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