Combining mallards

[Nana of the ducks]

I have a male and female mallard, 9 months old and 2 females 5 weeks old. Can they be put together and what is the best and safest way?

 

[nchls school]

I have mine all free ranging together; a flock of mature and younger mallards. At first the younger birds keep to themselves, but in a few weeks, all of them pretty much stay together.

If you have ample room I would think it alright to have them together. Watch them for a while to be sure. I have never seen my older ducks be overly aggressive towards the young.

 

[Isadora]

Really what I would be concerned about is the older male mallard attempting to mate with the younger ones. Really don't want that to be happening until they're ready to lay eggs. It might be that he ignores them, but it could potentially be an issue.

 

[Nana of the ducks]

I have mine all free ranging together; a flock of mature and younger mallards. At first the younger birds keep to themselves, but in a few weeks, all of them pretty much stay together.

If you have ample room I would think it alright to have them together. Watch them for a while to be sure. I have never seen my older ducks be overly aggressive towards the young.

Currently I have the babies in a pen outside and the older ducks roam. Today when I was trying to catch the babies to take them inside the older male bit at the babies beak. Is this normal behavior?

 

[Nana of the ducks]

Really what I would be concerned about is the older male mallard attempting to mate with the younger ones. Really don't want that to be happening until they're ready to lay eggs. It might be that he ignores them, but it could potentially be an issue.

Well you were right, as soon as I let the male near the babies he grabbed one by the neck like he wanted to mate. So I guess I need to keep them separated till they are old enough to mate. About 6 months?

 

[Isadora]

Well you were right, as soon as I let the male near the babies he grabbed one by the neck like he wanted to mate. So I guess I need to keep them separated till they are old enough to mate. About 6 months?

Usually 4 to 6 months. Once you get eggs they're mature enough for sure.

 

[Nana of the ducks]

Usually 4 to 6 months. Once you get eggs they're mature enough for sure.

Hi, I need some advice if you can. As I said i have a driake and a hen about 9 months old and 2 hens 2 months old. i have tried to keep them seperated but the younger ones are starting to fly. The drake leaves one of the young ones alone when she mingles but the other one who goes after every time she gets out. He chases her and she runs from him. Any suggestions or thoughts

 

[Isadora]

Hi, I need some advice if you can. As I said i have a driake and a hen about 9 months old and 2 hens 2 months old. i have tried to keep them seperated but the younger ones are starting to fly. The drake leaves one of the young ones alone when she mingles but the other one who goes after every time she gets out. He chases her and she runs from him. Any suggestions or thoughts

I would trim the younger ones wings until they're mature enough so that they don't mingle.