To protect duclings from falling through the storm drain grate, I had my handiman create a wire mesh barrier that allowed water to filter through, but not the ducklings. If you are interested in putting this same protection on your street storm drain, please contact Kirby at 916-408-8721. It's an easy and inexpensive way to protect these innocent creatures from a tragic and certain death.
May 9, 2010
Late this afternoon a young gentleman was stopped at the curb side looking distressed and holding a duckling in his hands. I asked if I could help and together we captured another duckling, most likely it's sibling. He offered to take them home and bring them to the SPCA the next day. I gave him suggestions how to care for them over night and suggested calling the Wildlife Rescue in Auburn to help. THE BEST PROCEDURE TO FOLLOW WHEN YOU FIND A DUCKLING IS TO CONTACT DOTTIE AT THE GOLD COUNTY WILDLIFE RESCUE 530-885-0862. SHE OR ONE OF THE OTHER VOLUNTEERS WILL CONTACT YOU TO ARRANGE A PICK UP WITHIN A FEW HOURS OF CAPTURE. PLEASE SPREAD THE WORD!!!
April 29, 2010
The other night, I was walking my dog Paco around the corner from my home, when I looked down and found a single duckling struggling to waddle in the curb between the sidewalk and street. Ohhhhh!! I looked around for Mamma and/or siblings and there was no sign of any other duck family. I scooped up this sweet duckling and found it shivering so drastically from the cold air, I thought for sure it would not make it through the night. I hurried home with Paco following behind curious about what was causing all the fuss. I held the duckie in the palm of my hand next to my heart until it was settled down and warm, then gave him water by squeezing a water soaked wash cloth close to his beak. I created a bed in a shoe box using a pillow case, put heating pad until the box with a towel between to keep at a comfortable temp without overheating, and then put duckie to bed. I prayed he would still be alive the next day, but prepared myself just in case. The next morning, I turned on the news and heard duckie trying to get out of his box. Whew!!! Again, I tried to feed him water and smushed bread crumbs, but he was more interested in escaping. I planned to take him to the SPCA in Roseville which opened at 11 am on Friday, but had to contain him a few hours while I worked. Everything was quiet...Too quiet I thought. All of a sudden, I heard Paco bark and simultaneously watched as Duckie was chased into my office running under the desk for protection. Paco was in heaven! Was a fun and lively toy!! I rescued by a happy and playful puppy. Wow! That was a close call!!! I put Duckie back into his bed and on my desk to keep a close watch...then off to the SPCA. I had a difficult time finding this place which is located on Corp Ln off Junction, behind the Roseville Police Station. The SPCA took Duckie and said they would transfer him to the California Wildlife Rehabilitator's in Auburn, Phone: 916-719-5357. This little guy had a rough start, but I choose to think his first life experiences will make him King of the Ducks!!
