I posted this in the FB group Mallards and have gotten no responses. Hopefully there is more people here doing something similar.
I’m in South Texas and have 8 Mallards I originally got from Metzler Farms last year. They were raised on a 21,000-gallon pond I built for emergency water use — now it's grown into a living ecosystem: minnows, frogs, cattails, snails, herons, the works. I also keep 2 Cayugas and 1 Khaki Campbell that round out the flock.
I’ve kept the Mallards completely uncaged and unclipped. They swim, forage, roost, and roam on their own terms. I’ve kept it as hands-off as possible to encourage natural behaviors.
Here’s the exciting part — one of those hens just hatched 10 ducklings about 3 weeks ago. They’re already doubling in size and following mom around the property. I didn’t incubate, I didn’t move the eggs — this was all her. It’s the first naturally raised clutch on this land, and I’m watching closely to see if they stay, migrate, or return in future seasons.
I’ve also spotted a pair of black-bellied whistling ducks on the pond last week and are doing flyovers this week and a Little Blue Heron that visits the pond most mornings unless I get too close.
So I’m wondering — anyone else doing a true free-range Mallard setup, letting them fly, breed, and nest without heavy confinement? Do yours migrate? Return? Settle in and stay? What worked (or didn’t)?
I’m keeping a field log and writing a bit about it, but I’d really like to hear what others have learned going the natural route. Appreciate any insight.
I’m in South Texas and have 8 Mallards I originally got from Metzler Farms last year. They were raised on a 21,000-gallon pond I built for emergency water use — now it's grown into a living ecosystem: minnows, frogs, cattails, snails, herons, the works. I also keep 2 Cayugas and 1 Khaki Campbell that round out the flock.
I’ve kept the Mallards completely uncaged and unclipped. They swim, forage, roost, and roam on their own terms. I’ve kept it as hands-off as possible to encourage natural behaviors.
Here’s the exciting part — one of those hens just hatched 10 ducklings about 3 weeks ago. They’re already doubling in size and following mom around the property. I didn’t incubate, I didn’t move the eggs — this was all her. It’s the first naturally raised clutch on this land, and I’m watching closely to see if they stay, migrate, or return in future seasons.
I’ve also spotted a pair of black-bellied whistling ducks on the pond last week and are doing flyovers this week and a Little Blue Heron that visits the pond most mornings unless I get too close.
So I’m wondering — anyone else doing a true free-range Mallard setup, letting them fly, breed, and nest without heavy confinement? Do yours migrate? Return? Settle in and stay? What worked (or didn’t)?
I’m keeping a field log and writing a bit about it, but I’d really like to hear what others have learned going the natural route. Appreciate any insight.
is WONDERFUL.
