Duckling and Rabbit Recovery Barn

The lives of some of the baby animals that WildCare receives depend on a quiet and peaceful environment. With the current facilities, it is almost impossible to create this kind of environment.

WildCare accepts approximately 60 ducklings each year. The most common species we receive are mallards, but we also receive many wood ducklings. It is imperative that certain housing requirements be met in order to successfully raise ducklings.

Wood ducks are very sensitive to audio and visual stimulation. It is imperative to house them in a quiet place with very little distraction. In the past we have raised wood ducklings in the existing nursery, where at times there are 200 babies needing attention. The noise and activity level make it very difficult for wood ducklings to survive. After much research we found that if we eliminate the noise and visual stimulation wood ducklings will survive. In the past 18 years we have only raised one clutch of 1 wood duckling to release. After following these guidelines we raised 8 of 9 ducklings. This was only possible since it was the end of Baby Season and the nursery was much quieter.

Cottontails are also very nervous animals and easily die of stress in captivity. We have a need for a building that could house both ducks and cottontails since they are both prey species that are very quiet. Last year we accepted 381 cottontails.

We need a specific building to improve the survival odds for high-stress species such as the wood duck and cottontail.

Budget for Duckling and Rabbit Recovery Barn

$ 3800 for 12’ x 24’ x 7’ constructed metal building
$ 1500 for concrete floor
$   700 for 4-3030 windows
$   200 for large sink and plumbing
$   300 for roof insulation
$   200 for electrical
$   500 for inside pens
$     50 for bassinet holders
$       0 for bassinets
$       0 for heating pads

Total: $ 7,200 Duckling and Rabbit Recovery Barn

Labor to build the building and the cost of transport are included in the cost. The inside pens, bassinet holders, plumbing and electrical will be built by qualified volunteers and/or staff.