You are probably meaning domestic Mallards, thet are sold by hatcheries and are not wild. released they contaminate the wild gene pool and carry their brand of diseases to the wilds which they have no immunity to. I raise bantam ducks(Calls and East Indies) in wire bottomed pens, i keep bathing tubs in the pens for them and they cam become quite tame. I think it is a bad idea to put any waterfowl on a unattended pond, especially at this time. Waterfowl can do well in a appropriatly sized pen in the yard, they are dirty and need cleaned often under these conditions. It sure beats causing any more problems to the wild population tho. I might have some photos at my site of the calls in a pen? try WINDOVERFARM@groups.msn.com

It's probably looking for either food or mama to snuggle with. Place a small cardboard box (cut a cereal box slightly larger than the duck) so help provide some comfort/cave-like area. Offer an old soft dishrag for him/her so sleep on, but nothing he/she can get tangled in. Paper towels are good but will get messy quickly, and when he/she gets better he/she will nibble on it. He/she would probably appreciate being cuddled in your palm. As far as a feeding schedule-provide food & water at all times, if he/she is strong enough they will eat. If not you may have to feed him/her. Just small amounts. 2 weeks old and no feathers....I'm at a loss. Don't know what to think. Maybe one of the resident bird experts can offer further help. You probably have no choice but to leave it alone tonight, unless you plan on sleeping with it in your bedroom? It will be lonly & looking for mama, possibly jumping out a the container. You will have to secure it from predators-even rats can eat the baby so be aware & provide shelter appropriately. Again Good luck to both of you! Brendasue

Hi Julie, I too started my ducks out in the house. I got the first duckling a companion early on so she could have a friend. The first one acted very much like yours, with the chirping and the fear of hands coming at her (so did the second one). I know it's not my business, but why are you going to keep this duck in the house after it's big enough to live outside? Ducks are not indoor creatures, they need room to forage and a small pool to bathe in and a secure pen to spend the night in. Please don't put a diaper on your duck, it sounds awful. I know there are people who have done just that, but don't you have a yard, even a small one? Ducks are messy, which I'm sure you know by now. Do right by the little guy; get it a friend, an outside space with a water source, even if it's small will do. My ducks went outside when they were six weeks to a pen with a small foot tub as a bath. They went out with the chickens after they seemed big enough to defend themselves and come in willingly at dusk back to the pen. If you have a yard, please do your duck justice, get it a friend, build a small secure pen, and create a small water source (for bathing). Your duck will still love you, in fact, it will love you even more!

I can't add anything on how to make a duck a household pet, but can tell you I've seen a duck at my avian vets office and they told me he wears a diaper around the house........special diaper just for ducks. Check out the forum below since the folks there are knowledgeable about ducks. Be sure to let them know what breed of duck you have. Here is a link that might be useful: Duck forum