IT’S duckling season, and with this, RSPCA Victoria, BirdLife Australia and Wildlife Victoria are encouraging the community to be on the lookout for ducklings who have been separated from their parents and raising awareness of how to respond and care for ducks in need.
Ducks will commonly choose to nest in suburban backyards, especially those with pools and places to nest in safety. By seeking a nesting site away from her home watercourse and predators, a mother duck increases the chance of her ducklings’ survival.
Within just 24 hours of hatching, parent ducks will escort their ducklings back to their home territory, which is sometimes when ducklings become separated from their parents and may require assistance from the public.
“This journey home is the most important trip of a duckling’s life – the parents are teaching them how to make this trek by themselves and learn their way home. This important lesson time also teaches ducklings how to avoid predators and other dangers such as cars, along with how to feed properly and navigate the neighbourhood,” said RSPCA Victoria CEO Dr Liz Walker.
“If you do come across ducklings who have been separated, often the parents will not be far away. The best approach is to observe the ducklings at a safe distance until their parents return. If after a few days, you’re still concerned about the welfare of the ducklings, you can contact a local wildlife carer for advice.”
Dr Walker said the Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning’s (DELWP) ‘Help for Injured Wildlife Tool’ can help you locate the nearest wildlife carer in your area, and Wildlife Victoria’s Emergency Response Service can advise you on what to do with orphaned ducklings while you’re waiting for a volunteer rescuer to arrive. They can also help with advice if you find sick or injured ducks.
