Hi, I work in Sheffield city centre and 2 ducks came to live in small garden area outside our offices when it flooded a few weeks ago, creating a temporary pond. The water has now dried up but the ducks are still here with no water (apart from a bowl which we have put out) and presumably no food. Can anyone advise if they think the ducks are OK or whether they need moving on to a pond somewhere? We presume they would fly off if they were unhappy but we just keep finding them sitting in puddles and wandering around.
Hi there,
You didn't mention if the garden space is enclosed or open. Is it sorrounded by high walls? Is anything obstructing the ducks from leaving?I'm guessing that the ducks will fly off to find a more suitable habitat and sources of food in time if there is no hinderance to them just flying off.
I would keep monitoring the situation. If you do find the situation is getting worrying you can call the RSPCA who would assist in removing the ducks if for some reason something is stopping them from flying off and reaching food etc . I wouldn't encourage them to stay by leaving food but water is good.
I don't want to misadvise so hopefully someone ( bound to be!) who knows about duck behaviour will pick this up as it's a really good forum.
Ange
Hi Ange
The garden area is completely open for the ducks to roam wherever they want.... and today for the first time in about 6 weeks we have seen them both fly! So it looks like they are OK, many thanks for your reply.
Hooooray!