Ok, homesteaders, if anyone can help me...it'll be you!

[Momto2Boyz]

So last night, DH and I were outside and we heard a duck. Which is odd, in Illinois in December. The temp was about 5 degrees out!

So we walk around to the back of the house and there is a white duck. (Which were the type we had on the farm, so I don't think he is "wild", but he might be). He was standing next to our tiny little frozen over pond, looking so desolate. We think he was about to freeze to death. He would try to fly, get about 3 feet off the ground and thud back down.

So after a few minutes of debate, I grabbed him and put him in our garage. Pretty sure he is "domesticated", becuase he certainly doesn't mind people at all. If I walk into the garage, he comes right over to my feet. We called our only humane societies emergency number and were told, "Sorry, we don't do ducks. Just put him back outside. He will either be fine, or he won't make it and that's just the way nature intended."

I couldn't do it. I couldn't put him out to freeze to death. So lo and behold, he is still in my garage this morning, actually looking quite comfortable, nestled on DH's garage couch!

My question is, who do I call??? I was thinking about first trying our Farm Bureau when they open this morning, to see if maybe they can match him up with someone who can take him. My only other thought was calling some of the "farm vets" to see if they know what I can do with him. He does't appear to be injured, he was just frozen last night. So, I could put him outside again, but I'm afraid he will freeze again, and not make it to where ever he was trying to go. I need to get him out of here ASAP this morning, becuase I just don't have the facilities to keep him or feed him any longer than that.

Any help would be appreciated! Oh, and I've named him Gatsby, after a duck that I had when I lived on the farm! Gatsby #1 used to come in and out of the house on the farm like a cat or dog and was actually paper trained! So, you can see why I have a soft spot for ducks! I'm not just totally crazy!

[freebs]

I think calling a local farm vet would be a good idea, they would have an idea of people that have ducks. Maybe even run an ad of freecycle or craigslist to give the duck to a good farm home! Good luck!

[madhen]

I was thinking the same thing re: FreeCycle. Typically, I've found people are very respectful if you include that it is a PET duck and not to be used for food. I'll bet there is someone near you who has a duck or two (and maybe even his former owner) who wouldn't mind taking him in. You might have to foster him for a few days, until you find him a good home, but ducks aren't all that hard to keep (just a little messy).

Doesn't sound luck much of a "humane" society.

[fixer]

I would call my local cooperative extension office. They would know anyone who had ducks, or any kind of poultry that might be interested in adoption.

[Patty A]

Check with the feed stores in the area, they often know who has ducks in the areas. I would also call the local vets, they are wonderful about helping out with things like this. I would also like to tell you that while you have him be sure to offer him a bucket of water that is deep enough that he can dip his head clear in!
If "water" birds don't wash there faces they can get eye infections, they need deep enough water to totally cover their heads.

[madhen]

You can also post on PetFinder. You might want to put an ad in the paper, as well. Usually, found pet ads are free. He MIGHT be someone's long lost duck!

I participate in a lot of bird rescue, and most exotic rescues (i.e, parrots) will also take ducks and poultry. Here is one in DeKalb:

http://www.olliesparrotsperch.com/index.html

If nothing else, I doubt they'll tell you to throw him back outside to freeze to death!!

[nvmommyx6]

I'm thinkin either www.craigslist.org or www.freecycle.org and place an add for him!
Good lucky ducky!!!

[Ceashels]

Were his wings clipped? If they are then he definitely belongs to someone. Calling the local farm vet and feed stores would be a great way to start the search. He is very lucky to have landed in your yard.

[ladytoysdream]

First thought came to mind was craiglist.
Put him under free or farm animals.

We had a interesting time here in November when hubby found 5 kittens in the road. Called 3 animal places and no one could help us. They were full. We ended up taking them to a cousin who has a farm and she gave them a good home.
Last I heard, they were all doing well, and her daughter had gave them all names. We could not keep them as our 2 cocker spaniels don't do cats.

Let us know how you make out

[Missy]

several ducks don't fly...so it could be a pekin, a runner or such. They fall real good though. Sorta penguin like in that aspect.

if he appears clipped, call around someone could be missing him. Feed stores, vets, and animal shelters. I would post a "Found" ad at craigslist too. If you have a garage, I'd put him in a dog crate in there with a few towels for him/her to nestle down into. If it's gonna be a course of a few days, get a rubbermaid storage tote, fill with warm water for him. Wanna see something funny? Put some goldfish in there. Just..uh...don't name the goldfish first. He can eat bread and grains, pasta, misc veggies and such. but if you are going to have him for awhile i'd get to a feed store and pick him some proper foods.

[LastDragonfly]

I would call the vets and the county extention or call your zoo and explain your plight THEY will know who to call.

[old_lady_in_the_shoe]

I have ducks and no, they do not really fly and the white ones are domestic. He probally just wondered off and knows his way home. I would "let it outside in the day" and see where he goes. If he doens't go far then he "doesn't know where to go" and feels at home with you.

As far as the cold goes, they really don't get that cold. They are ok with the winter temps and do not have a problem with it, they just need to be able to get out of the wind and snow at night so they can rest comfortable. (they come with their own down coat and the rain runs off their back).

They are prettty hardy creatures. If he doesnt go away on his own, then I would ask around, at neighbors or other with a pond around you. Local feed stores would be my next location (post a sign for found duck). If no one claims him, then he is yours.

I love to see them woddle around the yard, nibbling on grass and weeds, they are so adorable!
Good luck with your duck issue!

[brook]

what ever happened to the duck?

I would have suggested you keep him/her. Of all the homes this duck could have flown to... it was yours!

It was a give from the Duck Gods!

a little pond, a dog house, some scratch.. a duck Mother you would be again.

[Dave'sGirl]

yeah, whatever happened???

[FrugalMomof3]

Cant you keep him? If not, call the local farm vet and see what they can do. Otherwise I wouldn't post him on freecycle or craigslist as they might use him for food even if you specifically say that he is not to be used for that.