Do you know the breed? or the sexes? usually mallard derived by about 4wks you start to hear quacking or this undertone rasp for drakes... You don't need to wait months nor till drake feathers occur and in some breed coloration of the feathers too indicate male vs female.
I will say in the effort of good practice this is a risk, you risk predators and most definitely not getting them back out. After that, food. food and more food.. did i mention food?? the way to a ducks heart is through their stomach if they learn you are that source they will follow you, trip you and heck knock on the front door(no, not kidding i have some who do) My Pekin will respond to a verbal command.. if i call Pekin they will come.. my scovies and buffs nope.. they'd think i was off the cogs.
I still feel i would aim for housing that you could lock them in safely for overnight ... many predators swim too you don't want to create a 'sitting duck' but again food will be the most helpful tool for getting ducks where you want them and to come to you.
As for laying sorry, usually around 6mths that said we are running later in the season, typically i would like to say my flock ceases in Oct and resumes in feb/mar but this summer has been hot & dry and my birds are not laying as much as typical for late summer.
I will say in the effort of good practice this is a risk, you risk predators and most definitely not getting them back out. After that, food. food and more food.. did i mention food?? the way to a ducks heart is through their stomach if they learn you are that source they will follow you, trip you and heck knock on the front door(no, not kidding i have some who do) My Pekin will respond to a verbal command.. if i call Pekin they will come.. my scovies and buffs nope.. they'd think i was off the cogs.
I still feel i would aim for housing that you could lock them in safely for overnight ... many predators swim too you don't want to create a 'sitting duck' but again food will be the most helpful tool for getting ducks where you want them and to come to you.
As for laying sorry, usually around 6mths that said we are running later in the season, typically i would like to say my flock ceases in Oct and resumes in feb/mar but this summer has been hot & dry and my birds are not laying as much as typical for late summer.
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