Ducklings take 50-60 days to fledge (fly) and become independent. Caring for these animals is significantly different from caring for dogs, cats or domestic pets. Will she take her duckling back if I tried to reintroduce them? A wild mother duck thinks her ducklings should fend for themselves. She also protects her ducklings from attacks by other mallards. Another mother duck will reject and drive off the intruder, or possibly even try to kill it. It's time to relax, you're a duck now. If the ducklings can not get to her, pick them up, put them in a sercure box, hop over your fence and release them. Swim around and rescue as many ducklings as possible. My duck recently had ducklings and she will not let the ducklings stray away from her, usually the stick close and follow her everywhere but if something catches their interest and fall behind she'll charge back and round them up. Should you locate the flock, place the duckling down and take a few steps back to see if his mother will respond to his cries and come back to collect him. Walk around the area to determine if his family is nearby. I had not touched them because the mother duck would get so nervous and defensive. Adult ducks also need to submerge their bills when they eat, and they get … So you could of done something that was right or wrong. There's no need to worry that the mother will reject her baby if he has been touched by you; this is not the case. It will then be easier to catch her. Yes, it should come as no surprise that ducks like water. If you give ducklings water to swim in, make sure they can get back out. The mother will come in after them. Also, a mother duck will never abandon it's chick. When a mother duckling called for help in the city, a couple of police officers came to the rescue, showing how much of an impact a small action can have for the lives of our animal friends. I recently came into an isolated conflict with this out-of-towner (I live on a lake in NY state) who strongly felt that ducklings (very young) are able to live on their own, EVEN WHEN ISOLATED - that is, without any mother duck present. Never put a lost duckling back with a mother duck unless you're certain it's the right mother. Ducklings take 50- It has made a full recovery and seems to be well, however I have spotted the mother with her remaining duckling in tow (I'm positive this is the mother). ducklings back into the lake as they are not likely to survive without their mother. Sorry. Ducks do not tolerate stray ducklings close to their own brood, and females kill small strange young they encounter. In the film's beginning, she and her mate were anxiously awaiting the hatching of their eggs from which four beautiful baby ducks were born. Another mother duck will reject and drive off the intruder, or possibly even try to kill it. If ducklings get separated from their mother, should I help? You can then shut the door, thereby confining her also. Food for Ducklings Ducklings can consume any un-medicated chicken feed, ideally a starter ration or game bird ration because it contains higher protein to help them grow. Never put a lost duckling back with a mother duck unless you're certain it's the right mother. Dodge the reckless boats, they will hurt you.