I will give another thumbs up for them, great looking and easy keepers and to reiterate Goosedragons reply, they fly very well.
giffy
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As a general rule they retain their skittish nature and rarely are affected by human imprinting. With a ton of work you could gain some form of trust/bond (good example Bemba) but generally both the Mandarin and Wood ducks avoid their keepers. I always had a few that would allow me close...
A couple of things to add. If the FWS permit requirements state "hind toe from the right foot" then it means the right foot, not "as long as it its done on one or the other they wont say anything about it." Also, the requirements for proper marking (there are 4, you must do one) must be done...
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I started with one 2x6, attached the base posts and set it in place. The second 2x6 was added to tie it all on together. Height.......just depends on how long you make the base post that your hoop frame sets into.
Make everything easy for yourself to get into/out of. Too short and...
The 1 3/8 "top rail" you have attaching them together can also be used down the length of both sides for additional support. Biggest problem lies in snow areas. Also, you can use larger line posts set in the ground at any length for the hoops to slide into. That would allow you to go higher...
The mother is fearless when it comes to defending/protecting the ducklings..............problem lies in the amount of space they have.
Biggest mistake made by breeders/hobbyists is too many birds in one pen. Not only does the vegetation take a hit but the upkeep with water and overall health...
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Like Matapatos said, you should be ok regarding Mandarins.................unless..............you live in a town that has an ordinance/law restrictions regarding poultry. (meaning you live in the city and have nosy neighbors)
I have alot of info and photos on my site...
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Actually that is incorrect. Some states do require a permit to just keep/own them.............NYS is one of them. There are states that just defer to the Fed laws but many have their own requirements. In NY there is a Class A and Class B permit. They are written as a "Gamebird...
To add............ducks cannot chew and need water to swallow and digest their food. Also need enough water to keep their nostrils and eyes clean and healthy.
giffy
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The soft egg won't hatch........you are correct and most likely she pushed it away. As for the cause, could be a first year layer. If she is pen raised above ground you need to provide calcium. (oyster shell) Another cause is a lack of privacy, too much commotion around her pen...
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Fed Waterfowl Sale and Disposal Permit Application: http://www.fws.gov/forms/3-200-9.pdf
As for "not really allowed to have duck".............if your local town ordinance prohibits owning/keeping poultry, I would image you are out of luck. Somewhere along the way a neighbor is gonna...
If they were not able to be vent sexed, your next way would be voice sexed. Like the Calls, the female BEI's are loud. Also, on the white feathering............all the BEI ducks (females) eventually show white feathering but you should not be showing this early. Drakes with white feathering...
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Shannon - Holderreads does carry true Australian Spotteds..........they are normally good mothers (will set). I have found the Silver Bantam also to be good mothers, the BEI's and Calls are hit or miss.
giffy
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The paperwork you receive when you legally purchase a migratory waterfowl is form 3-186 (Notice of Transfer or Sale of Migratory Waterfowl), this is your proof that you obtained the bird/eggs legally.
Here is what the form looks like: http://www.giffsfarm.com/form3186.html
Also, I have all the...
The Federal is a Waterfowl Sale and Disposal Permit...........last time it cost me $75 and it was good for 5 years. Here is the application:
http://www.fws.gov/forms/3-200-9.pdf
As others said above, the Fed permit coincides with state laws..............I believe (don't quote me) your Utah...
First, sorry to hear about the original posters situation.
I will say that for the most part I have had good experience with USPS in shipping adult birds. It wasn't that many years ago that we went without being able to ship birds at all.
USPS Express shipping of lives use to be based on...
Start local by using Craigslist, you can put a want ad in the farm and garden section. You may find a breeder within driving distance to save you on the box and shipping cost. Also buy an adult pair, don't bother with hatching eggs. You might also ask around on the different poultry/waterfowl...