There are a group of 9 newly hatched ducklings and their mother stuck in a section of a canal near where I work. They've bene there for at least two days now. It is an inner city area, and there is no way for the ducklings to get to the shelter of the reeds the nest was in (in the section of the lock upstream). The only way for them to get out of the water is a small ledge at the side. They can't get to the bank.
Obviously I don't want to interfere with them, but I'm a bit concerned that they don't have the shelter or ability to interact with the mother on land.
Should I contact the RSPCA, or do you think they will be ok?
Hi butterflyweasel
Is there any way you can reach the ducklings to get them to the bank or can some sort of ramp/ladder be used to help them to get out by themselves.If the lock is almost empty I would assume they are a long way down.
Can the lock gate be opened to let them through?
Maybe someone else has some ideas?
Contacting the RSPCA would be a good idea and they should be able to help or advise.
Please let us know how you (and the ducklings!) get on.
Regards Rachel
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Hi butterflyweasal
Hello there and welcome to the RSPB Forum. Enjoy yourself here
I think for the sakes of the welfare of the Duck family I would ring up the RSPCA.
You should be able to contact the people who look after the 'locks' on the river so opening one will free the ducks once more.
The 'lock' water will rise and fall so if the water rises the ducks will be fine once more (in theory)
Let us know what happens and if the ducks are alright.
Regards
Kathy and Dave
Hi Butterflyweasel,
They must have got in there somehow. Is this canal used by narrowboats? Canals are run by British Waterways if they are navigable canals. Which canal is it?
Cheers, Linda.
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Thanks for your responses!
I checked on them at lunch time, and all 9 babies seem to be doing ok so far. I also spoke to the RSPCA who said their local officer was aware of them, and didn't think they needed any intervention at the moment.
They still don't really have any shelter, or anywhere to hide away from predators, but my mind is at rest for now knowing the RSPCA know of them and will monitor them. I'll still keep an eye on them though :-)