Hi new to this,

[DenverDucky]

Quote:
Originally Posted by cymbaline

If it's missing one, or maybe both, of its back toes (the ones higher up on the leg), then it's domestically hatched.


Thanks for answering that one, I knew that there was something that's done to distinguish them. Would a domesticated mallard at a feed store have the toes removed? Is this standard?

 

[DenverDucky]

...

 

[DenverDucky]

I'm still curious about if the toe was removed on the duckling. I was directed to a US Fish & Wildlife website and it talks about wild vs domesticated mallard. And it was referring to the removal of a toe.

 

[new duck mom]

I'm sorry I didn't get a chance to look. Got him a friend today and they have kept me busy. Is it bad if he is wild? I need to read a few books I guess instead of bugging u guys. Quick question: as bedding do u use newspapers with no soft blanket? The new one was in hay and wouldn't they chew hay or wood shavings and try to eat paper? Can I take them in the yard to walk around in the sun for a bit? Il go look at his cute feet and get back to u on the toe

Thank u again for ur help

 

[new duck mom]

He has both of them

 

[DenverDucky]

How about a tattoo on the bottom of one of the webbies? Pinioned? A band? Without any one of those makings the US Fish & Wildlife uses to identify a domesticated mallard. If you don't find any one of them on the duckling it is recommended that you call your animal hospital or rehabilitation center as you may be subjected to a fine! Since you have already gotten another duckling I would go get another one from the feed store


Here's the link to where I got that info-

http://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-id...iv8&view=text&node=50:9.0.1.1.4.2.1.3&idno=50

 

[new duck mom]

His whole back toe isn't all the way off. Is it supposed to be? Or just clipped a little and are u wanting to turn me in or something?

 

[new duck mom]

U can get a permit too.

 

[DenverDucky]

It would be completely removed or have any of the other markings. And no I would never turn someone in who is trying to help. I'm telling you this because mallards are a protected breed and are illegal to own unless they are captive-bred. Without those markings you will have a hard time proving that it is captive-bred (domesticated) mallard if it ever came down to needing it such as going to a vet/avian specialist, NPIP, poultry shows, etc. All this is like checking the laws as you would to see if ducks are legal in your city/town before you bring even a domesticated duck home. Mallards just have additional laws you have to look up. It's important for people to research the laws and choose for themselves if they are going to break them.

 

[DenverDucky]

U can get a permit too.

If I were you I would look into it if you can't find any markings on it. I don't know what is required such as if you have to have had the permit prior or whatnot.