Duck ID

[Dsauce91]

I need some help IDing some ducks. Long story short, I’ve been asked to adopt some ducks that have been living at a now abandoned restaurant area. The owners don’t know what kind they are but they’ve sent me some photos. There are two females and a male. My best guess is Rouen or Mallard but I could use some extra opinions from more knowledgeable people. They’re about 5 years old. Thanks for the help!

 

[sourland]

Just a guess, but I think a pair of Rouens and a mallard hen.

 

[Crazy Duck Lover]

It’s hard to tell in the pictures but I believe they only have one eye stripe which means mallards. 1 boy 2 girls

 

[Dsauce91]

I was worried they may be Mallards. Isn’t it illegal to own/keep them in the USA?

 

[Crazy Maizie]

I was worried they may be Mallards. Isn’t it illegal to own/keep them in the USA?

No. There are domestic mallards that people have all of the time. What is illegal would be to trap wild mallards and keep them as domestic pets. I doubt these are wild.

 

[Dsauce91]

All I know is that they were hatched at this location and have been here for years. I just want to be sure it’s all ok

 

[Crazy Maizie]

If they have been cared for by the restaurant owners and now they are not being cared for, it would be cruel to leave them there.

 

[Weeg]

Agreed. No one is going to question you, your doing the right thing. Good job being willing to save them!

 

[Quatie]

Domestic mallards are legal. Some areas require marking for domestic mallard to distinguish them from wild ones. They don't want them out there breeding with the wild population.

 

[Dsauce91]

Thanks for the help and encouragement everyone! I just want to give them a good home and I have the land and space for them.