GSPCA takes in 16 lost ducklings

Ducks and ducklings are the second-most common species to be rescued by the charity, which has handled 20 ducklings so far this year.

Hundreds of ducks are rescued by the GSPCA each year and advice has been issued on when to call for help and when to leave nature to it.

‘If ducklings are with their mothers then this is the best place for them to be reared so that the mother duck can teach them the life skills they need, but if they become sick, injured or orphaned then we are always here to help,’ said GSPCA manager Steve Byrne.

‘We regularly get calls from people upset about ducks in their pools or on their patios. We are always happy to give advice but they are always best left undisturbed wherever possible.

‘Ducks are wild animals although we do get called in regards to strays from time-to-time, but we have put together some helpful advice.

'It is important to remember the Animal Welfare Ordinance prohibits interfering with wild animals, but if you have specific concerns, we are happy to discuss or call the States Vet.’

There are a variety of reasons why ducklings may be separated from their mothers or the rest of their brood, including the mother being killed, the ducklings being stuck in a douit or they have been taken by a predator.

The most common reason for the GSPCA to be called out to a lone duckling is because they have become lost on their first trip from the nest to find water. The trip following the mother duck is sometimes a mile or two from home and along main roads.

In most instances the separation is temporary and if left they will be reunited and continue on their journey.

To keep ducks out of gardens, remove bird feeders, avoid growing strawberry and lettuce plants and place a life-sized swan statue in the garden.

Fences or natural hedges will deter most ducks from entering a garden.

If it is certain that the duckling is orphaned, then call the GSPCA 24-hour emergency line on 257261.