look at what the cat dragged in

[mahinajewel]

I was able to rescue two ducklings from the cats yesterday. A whole brood of motherless chicks were running the neighborhood. Not sure where the mom is,all but two ran back in the woods. I got chick starter as recomended at the feed store but know I have read online that starter is bad,....They realy aren't eating even from an eyedropper,worms are completely foriegn.. What should I do.:confused:

[marg]

I wish I could help, but I have no clue. Try and contact a vet, if possible. :(

[aquagirl0409]

I know this is probably a bit late- hopefully you have found some help by now...

Ducks are precocial- that means they start eating on their own right away so please don't force food into thier mouths as they can then easily be aspirated (liquid passed into the lungs rather the stomach) which leads to pneumonia. Often putting waterfowl starter (without antibiotics), chopped greens and mealworms into the water (also have a seperate clean water dish) will let them dable. More importantly, do posess a wild bird (Migratory Bird Treaty Act) you must posess a federal permit- so you should find a rehabilitator. Also, even if you don't see any apparent injury, they likely were bit or scratched and got cat saliva underneath their skin (cat puctures often seal up immediately). As cats are not a native species to North America (being abundant does not mean they are native) the bacteria that lives in their saliva can be deadly to native birds. They must go on antibiotics as soon as possible or can become so sick that the pass away :(

Again, sorry I saw this so late, I hope you found some help!