Wednesday, 3 December 2014

Mucky Ducks

Over the last few days RSPCA Collection Officer Derek Hampson has brought in nearly 30 ducks to us (male and female Mallards), from Makerfield in Lancashire.











Sadly, the pond which these ducks have been calling home, is now polluted with an unpleasant oily substance.
This oil has contaminated the ducks feathers, thus destroying their natural waterproofing-essential for maintaining warmth.

So it is our job to restore this waterproofing with a vigorous soapy wash,a thorough power-shower rinse and a warm environment to dry off and preen in!

In teams of two; one washing and one holding, the ducks have been receiving a much needed clean in our specialised wash room. The washing procedure for any wildlife can be a stressful experience, but as soon as it is over, the ducks quickly get busy preening their feathers and hopefully feeling much better for it!











Seeing them dried off with a clean, fluffed up waterproofed plumage means our job is done!

They will be released again shortly, into an unpolluted, duck friendly pond :-) yay!


By 
Lynsey Cale



Sponsors of Stapeley Grange Wildlife Centre and Cattery

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