Expert: Roger Lederer - 4/14/2009

Question
Two days ago, Animal rescue removed a mother and 12 ducklings from a sewer in our neighborhood. The rescue workers just left them to wander, and the Mom and babies chose our backyard, which has a pool with nice tropical flora. They were all doing fine until this morning. All but two babies perished in our pool. I don't know why they died. Could it be the chlorine? Bird virus? Heart attack? I am very sad, and not sure what if anything I should do for the Mom and her two remaining offspring. Can you give some insight as to their possible cause of death?

Answer
I can't really tell you for sure as I can't analyze the situation over the internet. Could be chlorine, but unless the levels are high, that shouldn't be. It's unlikely they died of heart attacks and any bird virus doesn't act that quickly. They might have gotten some toxins in their system from the sewer, which I think might be the most likely case. They could have eaten material with pesticides, heavy metals, fertilizer, who knows? You don't need to do anything for the mom and her remaining offspring. She should take care of them and unless they end up in the sewer again,they should be fine.