Mallard Duckling Fostering

The Bird Center of Michigan is the only organization in Southeast Michigan taking in ducklings, and this past summer alone, we cared for over 600 orphaned ducklings. To meet the growing need for the 2026 baby season, we’re searching for 2 to 5 dedicated Mallard duckling foster volunteers to join our team.

As a Mallard duckling foster, you’ll provide a warm, safe environment and help guide ducklings through essential early life stages. No prior experience is required, though it is preferred—we provide full training and will sub-permit volunteers under our license.

Foster Requirements

• Feeding and cleaning 3 to 5 times daily
• 18 years of age or older
• Wildlife must have no exposure to children or pets
• Supplies provided by BCM
• Enclosures must meet minimum standards (volunteer’s expense)
• 2 to 4 month commitment: April to July
• Minimal handling to keep the ducklings wild
• Must live within one hour of BCM

Your support can make a life-saving difference! By fostering, you help ensure that hundreds of ducklings have a safe path back to the wild.

If you’re interested in fostering Mallard ducklings during the 2026 baby season, please contact us at clinic@birdcentermi.org for more information.