Richardson Animal Services Ducks and Ducklings Policy:

We are asking residents who have ducks in your pool to create a ramp and leave your gate open so that the mom can take the ducklings away. If you can show that you have made a ramp and open the gate and it has not worked, then we may assist you.

Be Proactive. Deter ducks BEFORE they start laying eggs.

As winter winds to an end in late February, momma duck starts looking for a place to lay her eggs. If you have a pool, your backyard is prime real estate. Since it is against state and federal law to relocate, disturb or destroy their nests and mother usually won’t follow a moved nest, this is the time to take action and make your backyard uninviting.

Males and females pair off in the fall and the daddy will stay with her until she starts to incubate the nest. If you see two ducks hanging around, they are staking out your yard. If it is mid-March or later, you likely already have a nest somewhere. In that case, see FAQ Ducks – I found a nest with eggs in it.

How to deter ducks before they start building a nest:

• Big Eye Scare Balloon: Placing these balloons in your pool and in the shrubbery will scare the ducks and they will move on to another location. See our Products page. 
• Mylar balloons with helium: The reflective surface and the movement of the balloons will scare the ducks away. You can attach them to a floatie in the pool or weigh them down and place them around the perimeter of the pool.
• Beach balls: Floating several beach balls in your pool will make your pool uninviting to ducks.
  Electric boats. The movement of the boats will create an uninviting environment for ducks.  While one boat may do the trick, having a few will increase the effectiveness of this tactic.
• Motion-sensing sprinklers: Of course ducks like water!  But they don’t like being caught by surprise and sprayed.
• Homemade flags: Cut long strips or flags out of bright fabrics. Tie them to tree branches and attach to 3′ – 4′ stakes. You could also set up a “clothesline” to hang the flags. The movement of the flags blowing in the wind and the bright colors will scare the ducks away.
• Scarecrows or effigies that are designed to be relocated frequently.  
  Pool cover. If possible, cover your pool entirely during egg-laying season 
• Dogs: Let your dog roam free in your backyard and around the pool area. Ducks are afraid of dogs and the dogs are unlikely to catch the duck.

Ducks are easily scared. While these tactics can prove to be successful, any bird or waterfowl can become accustomed to negative conditioning techniques, so it is important to move the items around frequently.

If you do not have a pool or pond, ducks still may nest in your yard. You can use scare tactics to deter them if you do not want them there. If you do find a nest, the mother will move them to water shortly after hatching.

If you find a duck nest in your yard, leave it alone. It is against state and federal law to move, disturb or destroy the nest or eggs. Momma duck won’t usually follow a moved nest.

How did they get here? There is no water close to me:
City ponds and small lakes that have an adequate food supply often attract more ducks than can nest near the water. When this happens, some ducks will nest well away from the pond to avoid competition and harassment

Okay.  I have a nest.  How long is the commitment?:
The egg-laying season starts around mid-March but can go as late as the end of July.
From the time momma duck starts building her nest and laying her eggs, it will be approximately 4 months till the ducklings and momma move on. However, if there is not enough food, and she can get the family out of your yard, she may move sooner.

Momma duck will build her nest and start laying one egg every day or two. The average clutch (all the eggs) is 12 but can range from 8 – 16, depending on the type of duck. In two weeks, she is generally done laying eggs.

Once all the eggs are laid, she will begin to incubate (sit on the nest) the eggs. To ensure the eggs hatch at the same time, she will not sit on the nest until all of them are laid. The eggs incubate for approximately 28 days, then they all typically hatch within 24 hours. During the incubation period, momma will only leave the nest for short periods of time to eat.

The newly hatched ducklings are alert and covered in down. They will stay in the nest while they dry and get used to using their legs. They are ready to leave the nest within 13-16 hours. Usually, early the next morning, momma will lead them to water, which is likely your pool, if you have one. It will then be 50 to 60 days until they fledge and are ready to fly.

I would prefer to relocate them once they hatch.
The ideal scenario is to let them stay in your yard until they are ready to leave. If this cannot be done and there is a pond nearby it is better to escort them out with a “moving wall” (see FAQ Ducks – I have ducklings in my backyard and/or pool).

Be aware that there are lots of predators at the local pond, which is a good reason to give the ducklings a week or two to get stronger before escorting out of the yard. If the closes pond is several miles away and the walking sidewalk is not possible, reconsider allowing them to stay in your yard. 

When choosing to relocate to a nearby pond, be aware of other duck families, avoid releasing near an existing family as the parents can be very protective and aggressive toward the newly relocated family.

If you discover the mother sitting on the nest you may have the opportunity to gain her trust which will make it possible to relocate the family later. You may only get one try so make sure it is planned out well. If momma gets scared and flies away, she may not return. The ducklings will be abandoned, and they cannot survive on their own. Having an extra person or two could increase the odds of success. Don’t move them until all the ducklings are dry and ready to travel (at least 13-16 hours after they hatch). This should be done in the morning, so they have the entire day to get settled in before nightfall.

Be sure to count the ducklings beforehand to ensure you have them all when you move them.
1. As soon as you notice momma duck sitting on her nest, begin putting food out for her in a pet carrier. Prop the door open. Be sure momma can easily fit into the carrier and you can easily carry it. She will get used to going in the carrier for food. After the ducklings have hatched and are getting out of the nest, give her the normal meal making sure the door can be easily closed. Once she is inside, close the door and cover the carrier so that it is dark, which will lessen her panicking.

2. Have a laundry basket (tight weave) ready to put over the ducklings once the mother is contained. They normally stand together in a tight bunch. Try not to chase the ducklings as this could cause them to panic and scatter and you may not be able to find them.

3. Carefully put the ducklings into a box or other carrier. Do not put them in with momma as she may escape. This experience will be very stressful for all of them, so try to stay silent and handle them as little as possible.

4. While transporting the ducks, keep the containers together so momma knows her ducklings are there. Keep noise to a minimum. Do not play the radio.

5. Once you get to the water, set momma’s carrier down facing the direction you will release the ducklings. Uncover the front of the carrier so she can see where you are releasing them. Release them on an open bank where they can stand and easily get in and out of the water. Release away from other duck families.

6. Be sure momma has seen the ducklings before you release her. Stand behind or to the side of the carrier so that she doesn’t see you. Open the door so she can walk straight out to the ducklings
Do not take the ducklings down to the nearest pond by themselves as they most certainly will not survive and their mother will not find them. Young ducklings can feed themselves as soon as they reach water, but they must learn what is edible. They also depend on their mother for warmth and protection. She broods them regularly, particularly at night, as they easily chill in cool weather.  Ducklings can die from hypothermia even if the weather is warm. Orphaned ducklings will also quickly fall prey to the elements, other ducks, turtles, and egrets, and herons. Momma duck must protect her ducklings from being attacked by other ducks as other females will kill stray ducklings that are close to her nest.

If one day you suddenly see ducklings in your backyard (and your yard is fenced), there was a nest somewhere on your property. The best thing to do is leave them alone. They will fly away in 7 – 8 weeks from hatching.

I do not want these ducks growing up in my yard:
Although it is best to leave them alone until they can fly, sometimes that is not always possible or desired. If the nest is quite a distance from water, their journey can be quite dangerous. Some people may want to walk along with them until they safely reach the water. Most of the time it is best not to do this since interfering can cause undue stress and may cause momma duck to panic and fly off, abandoning the ducklings. If there is a lot of traffic or other dangers, keeping your distance and shepherding them across busy roads may be beneficial.

To get the family out of the yard, you can shepherd them out by creating a “moving wall.” Have people hold sheets between them and move behind the ducks, forcing them to walk in the desired direction. Be sure you have enough people to keep them from scattering.
If you choose to go along, simply map out the safest route to a nearby pond or stream. Stay quiet, keep your distance, and do not run.

Do not take the ducklings down to the nearest pond by themselves as they most certainly will not survive and their mother will not find them. Young ducklings can feed themselves as soon as they reach water, but they must learn what is edible. They also depend on their mother for warmth and protection. She broods them regularly, particularly at night, as they easily chill in cool weather.  Ducklings can die from hypothermia even if the weather is warm. Orphaned ducklings will also quickly fall prey to the elements, other ducks, turtles, and egrets, and herons. Momma duck must protect her ducklings from being attacked by other ducks as other females will kill stray ducklings that are close to her nest.

You can also encourage them to leave by using the deterrent tactics listed under Ducks – How can I keep ducks from making a nest and laying eggs in my backyard?  If you do this, provide them with an opening where they can walk out of your yard.
Be sure to use the deterrent tactics next year and future years to prevent them from nesting in your yard in the first place.

Of course, they can stay!  Is there anything I can do to help?:
How exciting to be able to witness a clutch of ducklings grow. Yes, ducks can be messy, but the gratification can far outweigh the inconvenience not to mention the peace of mind you gain knowing you are giving them the best chance of surviving this vulnerable time. While your little family is growing over the next 7 – 8 weeks, here are some things to know: 

Safeguard your pool.
Pools can be deadly to ducklings.
Getting stuck in the skimmer or not being able to get out of the pool are both dangers to ducklings, and because they are not waterproof, they can become waterlogged and drown.
If you have a pool service, be sure they know what to do as well.

You can eliminate these dangers by doing the following:

a)    Provide a way to get out of the pool. There are both homemade and commercial options to provide a way out of the pool.
i)     Bricks: Put bricks on the first pool step to build a “stairway” they can use to jump out
ii)    Pool Chair: Put a pool chair half in/half out of the pool. You can cover it with a wet beach towel to give the ducklings traction and a more solid surface
iii)   Ramp: A quick and easy ramp is to use the lid of a cooler and a beach towel.  Wet the towel and drape it over the cooler lid and edge of the pool to create a “floating dock” they can use to jump out of the pool.
iv)   FrogLog: Floating mesh escape ramp
v)    Skamper Ramp: Lightweight plastic ramp 
b)    Keep the water level low. With the water level low enough that it just barely enters the skimmer, ducklings will not be trapped in the skimmer by the float. At this water level, ducklings can escape the skimmer and you can still run the pump. Keep an eye on the water so it doesn’t get below the skimmer opening.
c)    Chemicals. While your little family is sharing your backyard, use as little chemicals as possible.  That doesn’t mean you can’t use any chemicals, but if there is a chance they can get in the pool, do not “shock” it until they are gone. Also, you can provide a clean water source for them to drink so they are not drinking the chlorinated pool water. Make sure all chemicals are cleaned up so that the ducklings don’t eat it.
2)    To encourage the ducklings to not get in your swimming pool, place an alternative plastic kiddie pool with ramps (so they can get in and out) in the yard. To keep the ducklings away from the swimming pool, install a temporary 18-inch-high fence around your swimming pool.  Plastic poultry fencing with easy insert poles can be used for the fencing. As an added measure, float several beach balls in the swimming pool as a deterrent. Be sure to keep clean water in the plastic kiddie pool.
3)    Keep pets inside or on a leash when in the yard.   
4)    This is a great opportunity for children to learn about wildlife, and a great time to teach them to respect wildlife. Explain that momma duck and ducklings cannot be disturbed or played with, that they are very fearful of humans and it will be very stressful for the ducks if approached. It may also cause momma duck to fly away, and the ducklings will be without their mother. One way to make the experience exciting for children without disturbing the family is to create a scrapbook of the experience and fill it with pictures (taken from a distance) and stories. Children’s books are a good way to help them understand and what to expect. Make Way for Ducklings by Robert McCloskey or A Cuddle for Little Duck by Claire Freedman and Caroline Pedler for younger children are two good choices.
5)    Supplement feed. Feeding them certainly isn’t required, but if your yard doesn’t provide enough food, momma will need to move them, or they will starve. Ducks are omnivores, which means they eat animals and plants, such as insects, snails, worms, aquatic plants, and grasses. Because your yard may not have enough variety to support their nutritional needs, you can supplement feed with Mazuri Waterfowl Starter www.mazuri.com. You can buy Mazuri on their website or search on their website for a store near you. Only use feeds designated for waterfowl as poultry feed causes wing deformities. Do not feed them bread, processed food or junk food, or anything else that they wouldn’t eat in the wild. Improper nutrition can cause deformities and illnesses. Put enough pellets for the ducks to eat quickly on the water. Start with a small amount, then put more to see how much they will eat so that you aren’t wasting it. It will float for a short amount of time, for a more natural feeding, plus it softens in the water.

Your duck family will grow quickly but will not be able to fly until 7-8 weeks. No matter how hospitable you are, they will still leave to find a new home and eventually have their own ducklings, which they will do around one year old.

We hope you enjoy your experience watching the ducklings grow. If you would rather not have ducks nesting in your yard again, be sure to read our FAQ How can I keep Ducks from making a nest and laying eggs in my backyard? You will want to be proactive starting in February.