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Ducks, Geese, and Swans 93

Tips on Teaching to Drink and Eat
Ducklings and other newly hatched waterfowl may not drink or eat easily on their own once sepa-
rated from their parents. Observe the young bird. If it does not drink on its own, take it in hand and
gently tip its beak into the water dish. After a few efforts the chick should began to drink on its
own. If it does not, repeat the process until it drinks on its own. Offering electrolyte solution alter-
nately with water is a good practice for the first week of life.
Cavity‐nesting ducks have natural techniques to stimulate eating. By their natural history it is
known that within the first day, these ducklings take their first step out of the nesting cavity and
tumble to the ground. This tumble is sometimes from impressive heights, without apparent injury.
Their first meal follows this event. The most common cavity‐nesting ducks in North America are
Wood Ducks, Mergansers, Buffleheads, and Common Goldeneyes. All are considered high‐stress
and difficult to raise in captivity. When orphaned, the “fight or flight” response takes over these
sensitive species and they go into stress overload. To help them over the trauma we can simulate a
new start in life. Taking a hint from their natural history, the best thing to do with a newly hatched
cavity‐nesting species is to literally “drop” it from several feet into the brooder. When the chick
lands, life begins anew. This may seem like a crazy method, but it works for most youngsters. Be
certain of the species before attempting this method of stimulation. Ground‐nesting species are
not made for “taking the plunge” into life.
Use fresh water as opposed to saltwater, even if the bird is an ocean or marine species such as the
King Eider. The salt gland, which enables marine birds to excrete excess salt, is poorly developed
in ducklings (Weller 2001). Saltwater will be fatal until chicks are nearly feathered.

Restraint

Young waterfowl are very active and can escape even a firm grasp. A towel dropped over the top of
the back of a patient and wrapped under the legs is helpful in securing the bird and preventing
damage to the legs and developing wings.
Adult birds can be restrained in the same manner as chicks. Adult waterfowl use their wings as
a method of defense. It is important to maintain control of the wings, keeping them firmly against
the restrainer’s body, as well as the legs, to prevent injury to the bird or the rehabilitator (see
Figure 5.2).

Foster Parents
Foster parents are adult ducks, geese, and swans that function as parents for orphaned chicks.
They are an invaluable resource for rearing young waterfowl species once the chicks are stabilized,
healthy, and eating on their own. Foster parents are usually former rehabilitation cases that are
unable to be released to the wild. Most of the best foster parents are adults that have reared chicks
in the wild. Imprinted birds rarely work as foster parents and have been known to kill chicks.
Foster parents should be physically healthy enough to provide a good role model in terms of proper
vocalizations, swimming, selecting appropriate food items, eating, and offering youngsters a nor-
mal view of the behavior of their species. In cooler climates or during inclement weather, chicks
may need to be removed from the foster parents at night and taken to a heated area until they are
mostly feathered.
When introducing foster parents to chicks, provide a quiet, safe, and protected area where the
adult can be alone with the chicks to get to know them. Observe the new family without being