Sample Questions for

Captive Care for Ducklings Online Course

Module 1: The Reasons and Benefits of the Herd Approach

Terminal Objective:
Explain the reasons and benefits for employee Herd Approach

Enabling Objectives:
 List the reasons for grouping healthy, orphaned ducklings in same-species groups
 List the problems associated with isolating ducklings.
 Explain what will happen to ducklings if they have too much human interaction.
 Explain what will happen to ducklings if imprinted or habituated to humans.
 Identify behaviors considered to be “human interaction”.

1. List the key features of WildCare’s Hands-off Herd Approach?

Feedback: Compare your answer – The key features of the Hands-off Herd Approach are:
• Ducklings are treated as same species groups
• Minimized physical and verbal contact
• Stages are evaluated by age, not weight
• Evaluation to next stage is done by med staff or trained Supervisors

2. What are the benefits to using the Hands-off Herd Approach?

Feedback: Compare your answer – By reducing contact and maintaining groups, ducklings
will have less chance of imprinting or habituating and have a higher chance of a successful
release.

3. List the problems associated with isolating ducklings?

Feedback: Compare your answer – Ducklings that are isolated can face:
o Depression
o Higher chance of imprinting
o Growth issues
o Harder reintroduction to other ducklings
o May not be releasable
4. What will happen to ducklings if they are imprinted or habituated to humans?

Feedback: Compare your answer – Ducklings that are imprinted or habituated to humans are
not releasable and will be euthanized. Therefore, it is essential that you limit your interaction
with ducklings, keep your voice low, and treat as a group.

5. What must you do to ensure ducklings do not get imprinted or habituated to humans?

Feedback: Compare your answer – You must limit your physical and verbal contact with
ducklings to reduce chances of imprinting and habituation. Don’t peak at them. Don’t tell
them how cute they are.