How to Raise Baby Black-Bellied Whistling Ducks That Have Been Abandoned

Black-bellied whistling ducks are chestnut in color with black bellies, a gray face and upper neck with white rings that circle the eyes. They are tall and erect birds that are distinguished by their long, pink legs and long necks. These ducks breed from southern Texas to coastal Mexico and Central America. They are ground nesters and several black-bellied duck females will share the same nest to lay their eggs. If you find abandoned wild ducklings, it's best to take them to someone local who specializes in wildlife rehabilitation. If professional care isn't available, you can take care of abandoned black-bellied whistling ducklings at home.

Things You'll Need

  • Box or plastic tub
  • Newspaper
  • Plastic trash bag
  • Heat lamp
  • Game bird chick feed
  • Game bird pellet feed
  • Small feeding tins or bowls
  • Thermometer
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Instructions

    • 1

      Line a plastic tub or box with newspaper. If you are using a box, first line it with a plastic trash bag, then place paper on top of the bag. This will prevent the bottom from getting soggy.

    • 2

      Place the box in a warm, confined space. A laundry room or bathroom is best to contain the mess and odor of baby ducks.

    • 3

      Keep the ducklings warm with a heat lamp. A flood lamp or reptile heat lamp should be placed in the room to heat it to about 90 degrees. Use a thermometer to monitor the temperature.

    • 4

      Feed ducklings wild game chick feed, if available. It is formulated with the nutrients necessary for ducks; if not, feed ducklings baby chicken feed. Use a small tin or bowl for food.

    • 5

      Pour water into a small bowl or pie tin. The water dish needs to be shallow, about 1 inch deep. Tiny baby ducklings can drown in deep water.

    • 6

      Watch the ducklings as they grow to gauge whether the room is too hot or too cold. Ducklings will huddle together near the heat source if it's too cold and group far way if it's too hot. Raise the light away from the duck box and gradually lower the temperature in the room by about 5 degrees each week.

    • 7

      Move the ducklings to larger quarters. Ducklings will double their size each week. After a couple weeks, move them to a larger box or pen in a shed, barn or garage.

    • 8

      Switch feed to pellet food for game birds when ducklings are 1 month old. Look for pellet feed with 14- to 16-percent protein. Some bird feed contains higher protein levels, which is not healthy for ducklings. Ducks can stay on this feed into adulthood.