Keep the Duckling Warm and Dry

Ducklings are extremely vulnerable to the cold, especially before they develop their adult feathers. A combination of being wet and exposed to the cold is one of the leading causes of death in young ducklings, as it quickly leads to hypothermia.

• Warmth is crucial. Ducklings cannot generate their own body heat, so wrapping them in a towel or blanket alone will not help to keep them warm. You must create warmth around them to keep them alive. If you find ducklings, gently dry them off with a soft, clean towel if they are wet. Then, provide an ambient heat source such as a heating pad that will not turn itself off set on low, a heat lamp, or even putting them up against your chest, covered in a towel or blanket to share your body warmth.

• Avoid drafts and moisture. Keep them in a warm, quiet area away from fans, air conditioning vents, or open windows. If the ducklings are shivering, they need more warmth.

• Close contact can be comforting. Ducklings often feel safest when they are close to warmth, and they may try to snuggle into your hand, nestle in your hair, or burrow into soft fabrics. This is natural, as they instinctively seek out warmth and security like they would under their mother’s wings.

• Never leave them wet. If the ducklings get wet, gently dry them off and place them in a warm, secure area until they are fully dry and cozy. Avoid using a blow dryer, as the heat can be too intense for their delicate skin. Instead, place them against your chest and cover yourself and them with a towel or a blanket. Your body heat will warm them quickly while giving them the security they crave.

Providing warmth and dryness is the first and most important step to ensuring found ducklings have a chance at survival.

Don’t Let the Baby Cry

If the baby continually peeps, it is in distress and must be comforted. If it was in the wild, it would be with its mom 24/7. You are now Mom, so the baby must stay with you (or a babysitter) at all times. Adding a mirror to its place helps to keep it company and may keep it from peeping in distress.

Ask for help

Before 8:00 PM: Contact Us for Help

Call or text us at (813) 616-9639 as soon as possible so we can guide you through the next steps. Please note that we are not always able to respond, but we try our best.

If you can, please send us a photo of the duckling(s). Different species require different types of care, and some may need to be placed with wildlife rehabbers. A photo helps us quickly determine the best course of action and ensure the duckling gets to the right organization.

After 8:00 PM: You have two options

A. Take the Duckling to an emergency veterinarian

Please call ahead to your local emergency veterinarian to see if they will take in a Muscovy duck without killing them outright.

B. Provide Overnight Care
If you can keep the duckling overnight, please follow our Overnight Duckling Care Instructions to ensure their safety and well-being until they can be taken to the best location possible.

Send a Photo & Tell Us the Duckling’s Location

Please send us a photo of the duckling(s) if you can. Different species require different types of care, and some may need to be placed with wildlife rehabbers.

A photo and location will help us quickly determine the best course of action and will ensure the duckling gets the proper help it needs.

Travel with the Duckling

If you need to transport the duckling(s), do your best to keep them warm and comforted on the way to their destination. Holding them against your skin or letting them nestle in your hair can provide warmth and a sense of security. Avoid placing them in a drafty or open container where they could get too cold.