What To Do When You Find an Adult Duck

If you’ve found an adult Muscovy duck that seems injured, sick, or unable to fly, thank you for stopping to help. Your care and quick action can save its life.

Keep the Duck Safe and Contained

Adult ducks can panic easily when injured. Their first instinct is to flee, even when they can’t move properly. To prevent further harm:

• Use a towel or light blanket to gently cover the duck before picking it up. This helps calm it and protects you from its wings.

• Place it in a secure box or pet carrier lined with a towel or soft cloth. Keep the lid or door closed to prevent escape but make sure there is ventilation.

• Keep it in a quiet, dimly lit area away from pets, noise, and people. Stress can worsen shock and injuries.

Avoid water at this stage if the duck in distress can’t keep themselves upright. Forcing them into water can lead to drowning or hypothermia.

Do Not Attempt to Feed or Medicate

Although well-intentioned, feeding or giving water to an injured duck can do more harm than good, especially if it’s weak or has internal injuries. Wait for guidance from a rescuer or rehabber before offering food or water.

Assess for Visible Injuries

If safe to do so, look for signs such as:

• Limping, dragging a wing, or unable to stand

• Blood, open wounds, or swelling

• Signs of being hit by a car (uneven breathing, head tilt, confusion)

• Fishing line or netting entanglement
  Take photos of the duck (from a safe distance if needed) so we can identify injuries and determine the next best steps.

Contact Us for Help

Before 8:00 PM: Call or text (813) 616-9639 as soon as possible.
We’ll help you evaluate the situation and connect you with the right resources. Please send a photo and your location—this helps us identify if it’s a Muscovy and plan transport or care instructions.

After 8:00 PM:
You have two options:

A. Take the Duck to an Emergency Veterinarian
Call ahead to confirm they will accept a Muscovy duck without euthanasia. Some clinics automatically euthanize wildlife, so please verify before going.

B. Provide Overnight Care
If no help is available until morning, please follow our Overnight Care Guide for instructions on keeping the duck warm, calm, and safe overnight.

Send a Photo & Location

If possible, send us:

• A clear photo of the duck

• The exact location (or pin drop) where it was found
  This information allows us to identify the species, assess injuries, and guide you on the safest next step for the duck’s wellbeing.

During Transport

If you need to drive the duck to safety:

• Keep it in a towel-lined carrier or box—not loose in the car.

• Avoid loud music or talking; stress can worsen its condition.

• Never transport in water or open containers where it could injure itself.

Remember:

You are this duck’s best chance at survival right now. By containing it, keeping it calm, and contacting us, you’re giving it a fighting chance to recover and return to a safe, happy life. 💚