by Sammy Stein

Created on: January 13, 2009

We were surprised and flattered when a pair of Mallard ducks began to visit our garden on a regular basis. Initially, they created mayhem because first the male would come and land on our pond. The pond is not big and he would often skid to a halt in the rockery before loking round sheepishly and then calling his mate.

We nicknamed our pair Mr and Mrs (Duck). We began feeding them bread and encouraging them to come into the garden by making feeds regalar. They even began to come close to the house. Mr used to come and tap on the window if he thuoght it was feeding time and we had forgotten them. They stayed as regular visitors for about 3 months and then vanished.

We thought we might not see them again but the following spring they returned. this time with two younger ducks- another pair, possibly their off spring. Again, they began to regularly visit the garden and we enjoyed their gentle quacking and the cheeky way they came and demanded to be fed - the male youngster came to the window too - obviously learning from Dad!

Then, one day we realised all was not well. Mr came as usual and skidded into the rockery at the end of the pond but this time, he did not get up. The others came and landed and we fed them but when it came to take off time, Mr remained where he was. I approached carefully and could see he was having trouble standing. It appeared it was one skid into the rockery too many and he had a badly damaged leg.

I called our vet for advice and she asked several questions such as whether the other ducks were pecking at him and if he was taking food. I replied, no the other ducks left him alone and yes, he was feeding. She advised me to make sure he was safe and could get under cover so he did not get taken by a fox or cat and then to let him heal.

I made Mr a shelter close to the pond and placed it where he could drag himself in. He did so and then I shut the door. He did not quack but calmly accepted this as if he knew I was trying to keep him safe. Next mroning I opened the door to a wide-eyed but otherwise perfectly safe duck. His leg was at a strange angle and I decided I could not leave him like this so I gently lifted him up. He made no fuss and I put him in a carrier and took him to the vet.

She rememberd my call the previous day and examined his leg. She put a splint on and asked if I was willing to care for him. She advised me not to handle him too much because he could get rejected by his family and Mallard ducks are very much a gregarious breed.

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