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What to feed a wild duckling?

I'm staying at a hotel with a river at its center. Ducks have inhabited this river. Well today some little girls were playing by the river and picked up one of the ducklings. After that the mother rejected, and attacked it. I'm not the kind of person to just watch an animal die so me and my family have decided to take care of it for now. It looks like this: http://www.eppingforestdc.gov.uk/Library/Images/Press_Release_Pics/RescuedChick2.jpg It's late and we don't have much to feed it. I won't be able to get any duckling feed until tomorrow so what can I feed it for now? We have fruits and veggies available but a very small selection. What can I feed it for the time being Oh and they were eating the crackers that the kids were throwing them and they were already swimming.

Public Comments

1. they eat bread and cheerios
2. Unsweetened cereal grains like oatmeal and cheerios work in a pinch. DON'T GIVE IT BREAD! Especially not white bread; it can cause impaction and kill it. You may also try things like grits. A simple search on substitute duck food may pull up some more results. You can also try things like grits and cracked corn. Goodluck with the little guy, I'm stoked that you decided to help it out! Be sure to provide it with water and give it a warm place to stay. You could also try to reintroduce him to another adoptee mother duck with a brood of ducklings of similar age. I am not sure whether you should hand him over to a rehabilitator or not, I know that with some animals that they consider to be imprinted or nuisance, they will simply destroy them. Keep in mind, however; if you plan to keep it as a pet and it is a migratory species, it will most likely want to travel south for the winter (depending on where you are and the individual animal, of course) and will not know where to go, since this is the job its parents usually do for it. If it it outside, it may fly off and get lost or not know where to go. Just a heads up, anyway like I said before goodluck and thanks for caring about the lil duck!
3. get some bread or buns or something to break up into little pieces to feed it.
4. When humans feed wild ducks it encourages them to stick around the area, since the birds are finding and being given food so easily. You may think you are helping the ducks by ensuring they are not without food. However, this can affect the migration patterns of the ducks and damage the area where you are feeding the ducks. According to the Volunteers for Wildlife, wild ducks instinctively migrate when the natural food supply starts to run low. Once this happens they move south where the food supply is more plentiful. By feeding the ducks, you risk keep the ducks in the same area throughout the fall and winter, since they are receiving all the food they need from humans. Feeding by humans not only encourages ducks to remain at local ponds and waterways but also attracts other ducks to the area, which can cause overcrowding. When there is an excessive population number of ducks the surrounding area may be damaged by the excessive amounts of droppings and the overall feeding habits of the ducks. In the fall and winter as people feed ducks less frequently, the large duck population quickly consumes the remaining available food. Death by starvation and disease becomes common. Overpopulation in pond and lake areas can also increase bacteria in the water, which can kill off other wildlife, sicken other ducks and possibly cause infections to humans who are in contact with the water. What Foods Are Nutritious for Ducks According to the Humane Society, a normal diet for wild ducks includes both plants and invertebrates. Plants could include common plant life around wet areas such as pond weeds, aquatic grasses and seeds. Invertebrates include small fish and fish eggs. Young ducks and ducks that are about to breed tend to eat more invertebrates to gain essential proteins. It is important to note that although ducks may eat bread, chips and other foods designed for human consumption, none of these foods will benefit the duck nutritionally. You will need to find feed specifically designed for ducks. If you do need to feed a wild or pet duck, it is important to note that ducks have specific nutrients they need in order to live a healthy life. According to Hilary Stern, doctor of Veterinary Medicine, ducks should be given food in crumbled or pelleted form, and designed specifically for ducks. You may be able to find this type of feed at a pet store. Good Luck! www.carewhiz.com