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Sea Ducks 111

Figure 6.3 Common Merganser chicks foraging for live fish in small pool. Note downy chicks appear dry
and fluffy even when swimming, which shows normal chick waterproof plumage. Source: photo courtesy of
Ian Gereg.

should be evaluated based on the life cycle of the parasite and should be treated with the appropri-
ate anthelminthic drug when indicated.
It is worth mentioning that many regions have hunting seasons for sea ducks; in the U.S., FDA
regulations under the Animal Medicinal Drug Use Clarification Act may apply to these species and
prohibit or restrict certain classes of drugs in food animals. To view the current list of prohibited or
restricted drugs, visit www.farad.org. Waterfowl are considered a Minor Food Animal Species.

­ Diets

There are several essential components to the diet of sea ducklings, including a staple diet and
numerous natural food items that are integrated based on species specifics. The staple diet should
be a commercial pellet specifically designed for wild waterfowl. Mazuri™ manufactures an
extruded Waterfowl Starter pellet that floats when placed in water. Floating items promote natural
foraging behavior and are ideal for a wide variety of waterfowl species. As ducklings grow, they can
be transitioned onto a maintenance diet; Mazuri offers a Diving Duck extruded pellet as well as a
Sea Duck Diet; these products float and are suitable for all sea duck species. Any of these staple
diets can be soaked in warm water and blended to make a gavage formula suitable for debilitated
or anorexic waterfowl. Nonextruded pellets do not float and tend to foul the water, which nega-
tively impacts birds feather condition and can lead to loss of waterproofing. While the extruded
products manufactured by Mazuri are less likely to contaminate the water surface, an overflow is
strongly recommended to reduce negative effects on feather condition and waterproofing. Feeds
manufactured for commercial poultry, pet poultry, or labeled as “all flock” products should be
avoided for sea ducks and most waterfowl in general.
In addition to a high‐quality staple diet, sea ducklings require a wide variety of natural food
items in order to establish self‐feeding behavior and grow appropriately. In the wild, sea ducklings
have access to dozens of different species of aquatic invertebrates and insects. In captivity, the com-
mercial options are limited but are nonetheless an essential component of sea duckling rearing. A
certain amount of experimentation may be required when working with different groups of sea
ducklings to ensure that they are eating the natural prey items offered to them. Commercially