13 new pets. I must be quackers!

[Pondrew]

Seems we have some new pets.
A duck has made a nest next to our shed and now has 12 of the cutest little ducklings wandering around our garden!
We live in the centre of town, have no pond and the river is about 1/2 mile away.
Don't know what to do TBH.

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[enuff_zed]

So all those web-foot jokes have come back to haunt you.

Don't you think it's incredible that a mere duck can produce a dozen perfect offspring faster than you can put a car together.

[brillomaster]

Awwww they're adorable!
Error probably, not a lot to do... i can't imagine ducks like being so far from water, my guess is now they're hatched they'll be returning to some water. Once the nest has been empty a few days, remove it.

[buzyg]

So all those web-foot jokes have come back to haunt you.

Don't you think it's incredible that a mere duck can produce a dozen perfect offspring faster than you can put a car together.

The ducklings are gorgeous btw.

[Pondrew]

Awwww they're adorable!
Error probably, not a lot to do... i can't imagine ducks like being so far from water, my guess is now they're hatched they'll be returning to some water. Once the nest has been empty a few days, remove it.

Problem is they can't get out unless I open a gate, which I am loathe to do as there is a main road outside!

They have got to cross through town and many roads to get to the river.

Mother flew in, now she, or they can't fly out.

As said, I don't know what to do for the best.

I would be happy to take the ducklings to the river, but not the mother. I don't do 'flappy and aggressive birds' (got two of those in the house already).

[Neil CR]

Might be worth a call to the RSPCA to ask for advice

[Pondrew]

Might be worth a call to the RSPCA to ask for advice

Yes, I was thinking of the RSPB, but either may be able to help.
I have been doing a bit of research and apparently they don't need to be near water for up to 5 weeks, as long as they have some to drink! Which they now have.
So letting them go at present may not be the best thing. I think they only hatched yesterday, or the day before, so are still too weak to travel far apparently.

Going to shoot over to the local pet shop tomorrow, as they have 'duckling food'.

Luckily we have the softest dog ever, so she won't bother them. She will probably run a mile if she sees them.

[Neil CR]

Might be worth a call to the RSPCA to ask for advice

Yes, I was thinking of the RSPB, but either may be able to help.
I have been doing a bit of research and apparently they don't need to be near water for up to 5 weeks, as long as they have some to drink! Which they now have.
So letting them go at present may not be the best thing. I think they only hatched yesterday, or the day before, so are still too weak to travel far apparently.

I’m sure either will give you the advice you need

[BeeEmm]

In the second picture, she is looking at the hosepipe forlornly, perhaps thinking, there's a pond in there.

[Nanu]

Middle aisle at Lidl or Aldi for a kiddies paddling pool perhaps and let the mother do the rest?

[enuff_zed]

Middle aisle at Lidl or Aldi for a kiddies paddling pool perhaps and let the mother do the rest?

She can pay. Put it on her bill.

[Pondrew]

She can pay. Put it on her bill.

Boom...tissh!

[Pondrew]

I also can't face the thought of letting them find their own way to the river, as they have to pass at least two Chinese takeaways.

Oh and five Polish food shops; but they aren't a concern, as they are too busy selling stolen Carp and Pike from the said river.

[enuff_zed]

I also can't face the thought of letting them find their own way to the river, as they have to pass at least two Chinese takeaways.

Oh and five Polish food shops; but they aren't a concern, as they are too busy selling stolen Carp and Pike from the said river.

Can’t you just let them swim around in the boot of your E89?

[Scubaregs]

Ingredients
½ large orange
1.8kg/4lb whole ready-to-roast duck
2 tsp flaked sea salt, plus extra to season
2 bay leaves
½ onion, cut into four wedges
freshly ground black pepper
For the sauce
½ onion, peeled and thinly sliced
4 tbsp orange liqueur, such as Cointreau
75ml/2½fl oz red wine
1½ large oranges, freshly squeezed juice only (around 150ml/5fl oz)
3 tbsp orange marmalade
2 tsp cornflour (if you want a thinner sauce only use 1 tsp)