"Broadback" wrote in message
...
Having posted this on UK Birdwatching and not getting much response I
thought that I would try here. Mind I think by being too clever and
heading the question "S.O.D help please" (Save Our Ducks) may have put
peeps off reading it.
So, I have about a 1/2 acre garden surrounded by rabbit proof fencing, in
which I have a pond about 6x4 metres and 1 metre deep, around which I have
allowed a little wild garden. There is a pool just outside my garden. A
wild duck has recently hatched out nine chicks on the edge of my pond,
great. While sitting she was able to fly out of the garden for feed, I
assume. Now of course because the chicks are trapped so is she. Will they
do ok within this area (the rest is mainly cropped lawn) or do they need
more food? How long will it be before they can fly? I do not want to
permanently breech the fence or the rabbits will eat my plants. If I let
them out in the morning will they return well before dusk? What should I
do owt or nowt? TIA

Phew - tricky one !!
I would imagine they might need some assistance with extra food......

A quick Google brought these up, which might be useful:
http://www.phelpswaterfowl.com/Duckling_Care.htm (ducklings in captivity)
http://www.callducks.net/feeding_ducklings.htm

I also found several recipes for "duck a la orange"..........but that's
maybe a bit premature "~)
Jenny