What To Do When You Find a Duckling

Keep the Duckling Warm and Dry

Ducklings are extremely vulnerable to the cold, especially before they develop their adult feathers. A combination of being wet and exposed to the cold is one of the leading causes of death in young ducklings, as it quickly leads to hypothermia.

  • Warmth is crucial. If you find ducklings, gently dry them off with a soft, clean towel if they are wet. Then, provide a heat source such as a heating pad set on low, a warm water bottle wrapped in a towel, or even cupping them in your hands to share body warmth.

  • Avoid drafts and moisture. Keep them in a warm, quiet area away from fans, air conditioning vents, or open windows. If the ducklings are shivering, they need more warmth.

  • Close contact can be comforting. Ducklings often feel safest when they are close to warmth, and they may try to snuggle into your hand, nestle in your hair, or burrow into soft fabrics. This is natural, as they instinctively seek out warmth and security like they would under their mother’s wings.

  • Never leave them wet. If the ducklings get wet, gently dry them off and place them in a warm, secure area until they are fully dry and cozy. Avoid using a blow dryer, as the heat can be too intense for their delicate skin.

Providing warmth and dryness is the first and most important step to ensuring found ducklings have a chance at survival.

Ask for help

Before 8:00 PM: Contact Us for Help

Call or text us at (813) 616-9639 as soon as possible so we can guide you through the next steps.

If you can, please send us a photo of the duckling(s). Different species require different types of care, and some may need to be placed with wildlife rehabbers. A photo helps us quickly determine the best course of action and ensure the duckling gets to the right organization.

After 8:00 PM: You have two options

A. Take the Duckling to a Veterinarian
We recommend bringing the duckling(s) to one of the following veterinary clinics. They will safely hold the duckling overnight and ensure it reaches us the following morning:

  • Blue Pearl – Tampa | (813) 933-8944

  • Blue Pearl – Brandon | (813) 571-3303

  • Valrico Animal Clinic | (813) 681-6389

B. Provide Overnight Care
If you can keep the duckling overnight, please follow our Overnight Duckling Care Instructions to ensure their safety and well-being until they can be brought to us the next day.

Send a Photo

Please send us a photo of the duckling(s) if you can. Different species require different types of care, and some may need to be placed with wildlife rehabbers.

A photo helps us quickly determine the best course of action and ensure the duckling gets to the right organization.

Travel with the Duckling

If you need to transport the duckling(s), do your best to keep them warm and comforted on the way to us. Holding them against your skin or letting them nestle in your hair can provide warmth and a sense of security. Avoid placing them in a drafty or open container where they could get too cold.