Rescued

[counterlady]

Originally Posted by JaySteel

Thanks again to everyone who has shared their opinions in this discussion. My original post was just a 'thank you' to to the rescue centre and an opportunity to show people the very cute duckling photo.

I'm still following this thread with mild interest but I think I've committed more than enough of my time to it. Some people on this thread have different opinions to myself and this is fine. Others clearly share my views and have offered words of encouragement and support. I gratefully thank all of those people.
But then there are those who just love to argue.
The greatest lessons to learn in this life won't come from studying at some prestigious university. They'll come from living a life of servitude. The truly wise will listen and take on board other people's views and opinions. And the foolish (regardless of their education status) will close their eyes and shut off their ears and open their their mouths to lecture to everyone else.

Best regards,
Jason

Well said

[Suzybrook]

Originally Posted by RoyW

However, regardless of whether it is right or wrong to try and "rescue" any seemingly needy creatures that we find, I would personally stand firmly by the opinion that the satisfaction that the rescuer gets from feeling that they have 'done something good' is the primary reason for such actions (and the fact that others may choose not to "rescue" animals in similar circumstances does not necessarily make them any worse, or less compassionate, as human beings).

Hi Roy

i agree with what you posted there . My own view is that most, if not all, acts of kindness are not entirely altruisitic but that doesnt in any way negate those acts of compassion

and jason i'd probably have done the same as you, although i can see some logic in the opposing view. thanks for posting the address of the rescue center up as its not that far from me and I'd use it in the future for an animal , cute or otherwise

su

[GCN lova]

all jason wanted to do was to show the animal which he had rescued and wanted to thank the rescue centre. why did everyone start an argument on whether he should have left it or not?! i think you did a good job jason and i think some people just attack anybody on here. jason, you did the right thing and i wouldve have done the same thing.

GCN lova

PS: nice pic

[JaySteel]

Thanks GCN lova.

[eeyore]

Originally Posted by Doggle Avaddit

In this case to satisfy his desire for "helping cute things".

the desire to help "cute things" is an evolutionary baby reflex - its the same reason why children like cuddly toys, and why stroking dogs triggers an endophin release in many people.

its also the same reason why birds will feed young not of their brood or indeed species, and why young are somtimes 'adopted' accross the species boundary.

its also why we are more inclined to like/trust people who we perceive as attractive (not necesarily people we're attracted to as it works hetero male on male and female on female too) hence why newsreaders and salesmen (andrew excepted ) are generally good looking.

[eeyore]

Originally Posted by GCN lova

all jason wanted to do was to show the animal which he had rescued and wanted to thank the rescue centre. why did everyone start an argument on whether he should have left it or not?! i think you did a good job jason and i think some people just attack anybody on here. jason, you did the right thing and i wouldve have done the same thing.

GCN lova

PS: nice pic

because its a discuission forum, therefore its there for ah... oh yeah discussion - I can't see an argument here anyway or any attacks (apart from one or two on DA), just a debate which is what the board is for - its not a blog (Tho you can do that on wab too if you wish)

I dont agree with much that DA writes but he has much right to express an opinion as anyone else - and ithe fact that you (or I, or grimalkin or anyone else) doesnt agree with him doesnt automatically mean that he has his head up his fourth point of contact

FWIW I would have helped the duck too - tho i probably would have taken it down to the canalm or riveror whatever and found it a duck family to tag onto (mother ducks arent too fussy about whether the young are theirs) - I dont like its chances of being fully rehabilitated from the rescue centre as its doubtful that one thats hand reared can be tuaght wild survival strategies at a later date - so it will probably wind up in capitivity ( unless of course they go for the take it down the river approach)

[counterlady]

Originally Posted by GCN lova

all jason wanted to do was to show the animal which he had rescued and wanted to thank the rescue centre. why did everyone start an argument on whether he should have left it or not?! i think you did a good job jason and i think some people just attack anybody on here. jason, you did the right thing and i wouldve have done the same thing.

GCN lova

PS: nice pic

ditto and agree would do same

[JaySteel]

Originally Posted by eeyore

i probably would have taken it down to the canalm or riveror whatever and found it a duck family to tag onto (mother ducks arent too fussy about whether the young are theirs)

This was my original plan until I did some research on the internet:

The RSPB: Advice: Mallards and their ducklings

Mallard ducks do not tolerate stray ducklings close to their own brood, and females kill small strange young they encounter.

The decision I made to take this duckling to a rescue centre was not one that I made out of ignorance or in a rash moment of panic for the animal's welfare without first weighing up all the options. Having no personal experience on this matter I relied on what information was readily available.

Best regards,
Jason

[Crumble]

Lone ducklings are unlikely to survive long in the wild although where there are a few, one will often assume a parental role and they stand a better chance of reaching maturity.

So it's down to your viewpoint as to whether you wish to assist it to survive or leave it to become prey.

I have raised orphaned ducklings and would not hesitate to do the same again.

[Farplace]

I have raised orphaned wild ducks too - approx 5 a year for the last 15 years. Most return successfully to the wild. The very few who become too "domesticated" live happily with other ducks in a "pet" situation... We are talking 3 in 15 years. These pet mallards live pampered lives and will probably live longer than their wild siblings.
We are always happy to take in any wildlife in need of help. We class lone baby ducklings with down but no real feathers as in need of help. We would have taken in Jasons' mallard quite happily.