Do you need a permit to own DOMESTIC ducks in Florida? IDEAL POULTRY SAID I HAVE TO HAVE A PERMIT FO

[Miss Lydia]

Anyone owning ducks, even just as pets also have to get a permit here in FL. The private possession permit is still free from what I last read.

No matter what breed?

 

[FireTigeris]

, or cross-breeding, between captive-reared (domestic) mallards and Florida's wild, native mottled ducks.
Historically, mallards only occurred in Florida as wild, migratory birds during the fall and winter months. These birds migrate out of Florida to northern breed areas in the spring and so are not present in Florida during the breeding season. However, captive-reared mallards are being illegally released by humans in large numbers in Florida, and these feral birds remain in Florida year-round.
These year-round resident mallards are not part of Florida's native wildlife, and, like most other exotic species, are causing problems. These released mallards pair with mottled ducks and the two species interbreed, resulting in hybrid offspring. State biologists frequently observe mixed flocks, mixed pairs, and the resulting hybrid offspring. The hybrid offspring are fertile, which further compounds the problem. Every mallard released in Florida can potentially contribute to the hybridization problem. Because of the relatively small size of the Florida mottled duck population, complete hybridization of the population is a serious concern. In fact, biologists list hybridization with feral mallards as the biggest immediate threat to the conservation of Florida's mottled duck.
The purpose of this rule is to (1) specifically prohibit the possession of mallards other than by those persons appropriately permitted and (2) to require caging in order to reduce accidental release and interaction of captive mallards with wild waterfowl. Also, the rule explicitly prohibits the release of mallards other than by licensed hunting preserves, and for dog and raptor training and field trials.
These new restrictions, combined with education and public-relations efforts and enforcement, should greatly reduce the number of captive-reared mallards released in Florida and their threat to Florida's mottled duck population.
Frequently Asked Questions

http://myfwc.com/license/captive-wildlife/applications/

 

[CelticOaksFarm]

Lydia, yes all mallard derived ducks and all migratory ducks require a permit. Then it depends on what you plan to do with them as to what type of permit. Swans, and geese are also covered under FWC.

 

[FireTigeris]

All ducks except Muscovies are Mallard derivatives no matter the breed, the only excerpted ducks are sterile hybrids and Pekin ducks.

This is for FL.

Muscovies are covered in a different chapter of the law, and hybrids are all considered fertile unless they are Muscovie-Mallard and you still have to be able to 'prove' that.

(its easier just to get the permit)

 

[CelticOaksFarm]

Uumm yes, this is what I have said a couple of time on this thread. Same as the link I shared a few times, and is the same link you restated. Thanks for stating it again though.

 

[FireTigeris]

Uumm yes, this is what I have said a couple of time on this thread. Same as the link I shared a few times, and is the same link you restated. Thanks for stating it again though.

... ??? ...

Is that directed to me, because different wordings can help people understand better- w/o knowing the scientific names of domestic non muscovie ducks one might think other domestic breeds are exempt...

That sounded really sarcastic.

...

If someone is still asking the question it is still not worded where it is easy to understand. I was reponding to a question same as you...

I never have a problem restating things so they are more clear.

ALL ducks that are not pure Muscovie (they are covered in another section http://myfwc.com/wildlifehabitats/managed/waterfowl/nuisance-waterfowl/nuisance-muscovies/ ) Or 'pure' Pekin ducks (even though they are derived from Mallards, all ducks that are not Muscovies are mallard derived) are covered in FL law and require a permit.

 

[kellyn]

FireTigeris, I don't think CelticOaksFarm was trying to be mean, though you did resate what he/she said previously and it WAS easier to understand. Thank-you for that; it likely took a while to restate.

CelticOaksFarm, thank-you so much for the permit information. When I seriously get into ducks, and if I don't sell my "illegal" ducks, then I'll get the permit... but I do have a few questions maybe someone could answer...? (You seem to really know a lot about this)

1) are the requirements for a permit high? Coz my yard is muddy and I have a fly problem that's lessening(finally got some GOOD fly traps).

2) if I don't pass the "requirements" what will happen to my birds? I've heard of them being shot... and if anything of the sort happends, i'd rather keep silent.

3) do MuscovyXpekin ducks fall under the Non-muscovy or Non-pekin rule?

P.s. Somethin not related to prmits: my pekins and muscovies are buddies~ the muscovies are like guardians, hanging ar the back and front of the group. Still haven't list any, whih I good~

 

[FireTigeris]

Kellyyn- you are probably right It's hard to tell on line.

1) Evacuation plan (Hurricane), Shelter, food, water- and if the ducks are not pinioned (they can fly) they have to be in a covered run. Where I am they want fully enclosed runs for all ducks of any type.

Quote: https://www.flrules.org/gateway/ruleNo.asp?id=68A-4.0052
2)

Quote: https://www.flrules.org/gateway/RuleNo.asp?id=68A-6.0023
3) If you have hybrid pekin*Muscovie I'd just get the permit- I was asked take a rescue order of ducks after I picked white layers- and I have to have the permit.
(this is considered non-fertile hybrids but there is no way to prove this easily)

 

[kellyn]

Thank-you, but I am a bit iffy on a few things still...


1) Well I already have the birds... as you probably know... so will they fuss that I already have "illegal" birds?

2) do the people i sell to have to also have a permit?

3) my birds are free-range, and are mature adults, do I have to get them pinioned?

4) do I have to buy another permit for my muscovies?

5) will they "confiscate" my birds while the permit is pending?

6) I have a lot of neighbors who also have "Mallard-derived" ducks, will they rag on them?

7) do I SERIOUSLY have to record every egg I hatch? Really? Bunch of moronnes, they are.

8) I'm not that far from you, FireTigeris, do they often come to check your place out?

*by "they" I mean whoever does the permit stuff.*

 

[FireTigeris]

1) No- or I haven't found that. They do want a home inspection... and I get advance notice of not less then one week. "We'll be by sometime next week"

2) Yes, if you sell Mallard derived or Mallard hybrid ducks. (I don't know about the Muscovies)- this is easy, you ask for a valid licence number, name, address, and phone number and write it down- there is no easy way for 'us' to check on "valid licence numbers" so we have the address, name and phone number... make it the Feds problem

3) The Pinioning surgery is done the day of hatch it is to remove part of the wing to render it useless- I think that's cruel so I keep mine in a pen. I think this will be your biggest problem. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pinioning (feather clipping alone is not enough)

4) I don't have any so I am unclear, the legislation on Muscovies US wide is changing, the class III pet licence should give you some help in keeping them too, unsure.

5) No I think you still get the thirty days to 'come up to code'

6) Are they obviously owned? Not likely.

7) Yes -TO- record ducks- open a notebook and write set 12 eggs, 8 hatched...(date of hatch)- that's it. Just like the reptile Class III licence people do. If you have info on parents like 4 hatched are from fluffy, add that too.

8) 'They' have never come to my knowledge.


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Looks like I need to repaint...