2 wild Mallards on our flat roof

[Snack Giver]

Hi people. I have 6 healthy safe backyard chickens with plenty of safe backyard space and food everywhere on the ground and in feeders.. Squirrels and crows are common visitors. But now we have a pair of Mallards that have taken a liking to our flat roof. Its only about a 8-10 foot jump down to the raised backyard. The carport is even slighly lower than that. I've done a little reading on how they prefer to be up a little so to be safe from predators.

I'm wondering now what I can do to help them if they need it. Anything. Can I provide a nest box or nesting material up there? If they lay, should I later provide water or even a small kiddy pool up there? I have no idea. I'll do whatever i can. My wife will help too. I threw some corn and some bread up there since yesterday. Hopefully they are eating it instead of just the crows. They are really cute.

Has anyone has this situation? Tell me what to do. Thanks.

 

[jessiduck]

While I've never had this situation before, I think it would be best to just leave them be. They obviously have been getting food and water from another source, but like to stop over at your place to rest! It's wonderful that they can feel safe in your yard!

 

[Mum]

Each Spring I have visiting wild mallards; I let them do their own thing but they do approach me for a handful of corn in the morning. Other than that, I let nature do what nature does for them.

 

[Snack Giver]

After research I wonder if our carport roof (8' off the ground, but with a soft dirt landing underneath) is an ok spot for them to make a nest a raise little ones. I read the ducklings need water or will die. I could put a doggie bowl of water up each morning. Also, when the ducklings need to leave the nest, is 8' onto dirt too high up for that first trip away from the nest?

I'm seriously willing even put a small doghouse up on the carport if they need a contained shelter to lay in. Apparantly this is a common thing in Washington DC and the city/district have a website telling homeowners what to do. They say the ducklings can't be up high like that and that water is a must. But then I read on wikipedia that ducks need second story to be safe from raccoons, etc.

My wife and I don't want to mess with them. I just want to quietly provide anything they need. They are so cute. They are always rubber-necking to look at what we do as we come and go at our home. If they are going to lay, I just want them to succeed.

 

[Miss Lydia]

After research I wonder if our carport roof (8' off the ground, but with a soft dirt landing underneath) is an ok spot for them to make a nest a raise little ones. I read the ducklings need water or will die. I could put a doggie bowl of water up each morning. Also, when the ducklings need to leave the nest, is 8' onto dirt too high up for that first trip away from the nest?

I'm seriously willing even put a small doghouse up on the carport if they need a contained shelter to lay in. Apparantly this is a common thing in Washington DC and the city/district have a website telling homeowners what to do. They say the ducklings can't be up high like that and that water is a must. But then I read on wikipedia that ducks need second story to be safe from raccoons, etc.

My wife and I don't want to mess with them. I just want to quietly provide anything they need. They are so cute. They are always rubber-necking to look at what we do as we come and go at our home. If they are going to lay, I just want them to succeed.

If you do decide to offer water make sure the first bowl isn't too deep because duckling maybe able to get into it okay but may not be able to get out and can drown. as for shelter they may or maynot use it. maybe offer them a simple 3 sided house no floor. and offer some nesting material, but most wild ducks don't use much material other than what maybe availabel they usually just make an indention in the dirt. raccoons can climb as well as cats and other night time preds. it's just part of nature. but if you can find info for your area on what to do to make this sucsessful for these wild ducks then by all means go for it. and let us know how it turns out. As for the ducklings being able to get down, well how about a temporary ramp for the after hatch? but only if your back yard is safe from dogs. or other such preds. Most importantly is to do what you can then sit back and enjoy.

 

[Snack Giver]

I also thought nesting material too. I could put a little stack of straw up there for them to use. When I came home from work today, there they were! Looking down on me. Cute. They are so shy. They hide from us when we try to look closer. Also I will definitely provide a ramp down if there are eggs and ducklings. We have been thinking about a tiny home depot pond, too.

I put a small doggie bowl of water up there. I have been tossing corn and chicken scratch up there too. I saw the male eating it. Makes me happy. We are in such a quiet and safe area. There are 2 lakes nearby. I hope they stay.

 

[ducksinarow]

Food, water, and shelter are the basic requirements. Just try not to scare them off by doing it. Good luck. I see nothing wrong with providing these. I do it for wild small birds. Why not ducks?

 

[desertdarlene]

If you can be around during the time that they hatch, you can help them off the roof or provide soft landing material or a ramp. Problem is that, sometimes, they may be ready to leave in the middle of the night or when you're not around. Though it is possible that if the ground was soft, some ducklings will survive, I would expect some casualties as many duck species, except wood ducks, aren't designed to jump out of high places their first day. I wouldn't set up a ramp before they hatch as it may make it easier for predators to get to them.

 

[Miss Lydia]

If you can be around during the time that they hatch, you can help them off the roof or provide soft landing material or a ramp. Problem is that, sometimes, they may be ready to leave in the middle of the night or when you're not around. Though it is possible that if the ground was soft, some ducklings will survive, I would expect some casualties as many duck species, except wood ducks, aren't designed to jump out of high places their first day. I wouldn't set up a ramp before they hatch as it may make it easier for predators to get to them.

I agree, about the ramp, when she begins to sit count the days till hatch and set the ramp up then. you may hit it just right. or buy a sand box or kiddie pool and sand and hope they jump off where you set it at .

 

[Mum]

My wife and I don't want to mess with them. I just want to quietly provide anything they need. They are so cute. They are always rubber-necking to look at what we do as we come and go at our home. If they are going to lay, I just want them to succeed.

Wishing you and your ducks mutually enjoyable success