Think Before You Buy: The Hidden Cost of Easter Ducklings
Springtime Shouldn’t Mean Suffering
Every spring, baby animals like ducklings, chicks, and bunnies start showing up in baskets and backyards—cute, fluffy, and often purchased on a whim. While they may seem like the perfect seasonal surprise, the reality behind these gifts is much less sweet.
As someone who personally rescues waterfowl, I see the aftermath all too often. Domestic ducks are regularly dumped in parks, ponds, and marshes around Charleston—confused, frightened, and totally unequipped to survive in the wild.
Why Domestic Ducks Can’t “Go Wild”
Let’s bust a myth: setting a duck “free” in a pond is not a happy ending. It’s a slow, stressful, and often deadly one.
Domestic ducks can’t fly, they don’t migrate, and they lack basic foraging instincts. They’ve been bred to be dependent on humans, often weighing far more than wild ducks and having bright feathers that make them easy targets.
As John Di Leonardo of Humane Long Island explains:
“We often find them frozen to the water... literally sitting ducks for predators.”
❗ The Realities of Raising a Duck
Ducklings are charming—until the realities set in. If you’re thinking of getting one, here’s what you’re signing up for:
🧻 No potty breaks—just constant mess.
🛖 They need an outdoor, predator-proof setup.
🫂 They imprint quickly and get distressed when left alone.
📆 They live up to 12 years. That’s a decade-long commitment.
And no, they’re not meant for the bathtub.
Greener, Kinder Alternatives
Love the spirit of Easter? You don’t have to give up on the fun—just choose responsibly:
🧸 Plush ducklings (look for sustainably made toys!)
📚 Children’s books that teach empathy and nature appreciation
💝 Symbolic adoptions through local rescues
🍫 Chocolate ducks—sweet, safe, and zero cleanup
Found a Duck? Here’s Who to Call (Charleston-Area)
If you spot a duck that looks confused, alone, or out of place, especially one that seems too tame or oddly colored—it’s probably a domestic duck that’s been abandoned. Contact one of these amazing organizations:
Keeper of the Wild – Walterboro, SC
Over 30 years of Lowcountry wildlife rehabilitation.Carolina Wildlife Rehabilitation Center – Greater Charleston Area
Specializes in injured or orphaned wildlife.Wildlife Rehab Group of South Carolina – Statewide
Trusted network of licensed rehabbers.Palmetto Wildlife Rescue – Lexington, SC
Dedicated to the care of small mammals and waterfowl.The Center for Birds of Prey – Awendaw, SC
An incredible resource for injured or displaced birds.
A Personal Note from Me
For those of you who know me personally—you already know I have a soft spot (okay, a whole heart) for ducks and waterfowl. I’ve rescued my fair share of abandoned birds and seen firsthand how helpless they are when left behind.
Please, do not buy ducklings as Easter gifts.
If you’re thinking about it, let’s talk. I’m happy to share what caring for ducks actually involves—and why this cute impulse can lead to real harm.
Let’s Make This Spring Kinder
Easter should be about renewal, joy, and new beginnings—not abandonment. By choosing compassion over impulse and educating others, we can create spring traditions that are meaningful and mindful.
This year, skip the real duckling—and choose love that lasts longer than a season.
