Is the a limit on ducks raised for meat

[Dylan Lambert]

I have a couple of mallards and was wondering if i could raise large quantities of ducks to eat for meat or if there is a limit just like hunting in tbe wild.

 

[Parront]

I have a couple of mallards and was wondering if i could raise large quantities of ducks to eat for meat or if there is a limit just like hunting in tbe wild.

Wild mallards are not kept in captivity. Hatcheries sell mallards, which are captive bred. Most who raise ducks for meat raise Pekin ducks, more meet for your feed. Metzer farms has a very informative web site about raising ducks for meat.

 

[Severne]

What he’s saying is, how many mallards can you raise for meat. I’d look at your state laws @Dylan Lambert

 

[iwltfum]

What he’s saying is, how many mallards can you raise for meat. I’d look at your state laws @Dylan Lambert

Agreed. Looking into state laws is the way to go here. Federal limits on poultry for meat have alot to do with if you are taking them to a certified butcher or home processing. State laws are all over the place and those are the ones that matter more when it comes to small scale meat production. I think Maine's (where I live) limit on any poultry for meat is 2000 birds per year from an unlicensed grower, but that comes with stipulations and conditions. The next tier is 20k, but requires licensing.

 

[Dylan Lambert]

Thanks! I was wondering if there was some kind of law. I just never thought about it.

 

[Parront]

Thanks! I was wondering if there was some kind of law. I just never thought about it.

Probably the most relevant laws are your local city's law against keeping poultry. In our county, even if you live outside the city, you can only keep 8 birds if your lot is an acre or less! In my city, there is no number limit, but no roosters. So, I can keep more chickens on my 1/2 acre lot in the city that my neighbor one block away outside the city limit. Your area might have rules I never heard of in my city. It is always good to think of these things before you get started and then have to get rid of your birds due to some zoning rule you never heard of!

 

[Ridgerunner]

Dylan, that is an interesting question, never thought about it. Mallards are game animals and are hunted. There could easily be restrictions because they are a game animal, meant to stop them breeding with wild mallards as much as any other reason. Or something about diseases or parasites. There can be different layers and levels with these laws.

If you are in the US I think I'd call your county extension office and chat with them. Seems like the type of thing they could help you with.

Your questions is ducks, not specifically mallards. If you do run into issues with mallards I'd think you'd be fine with many domestic breeds. Should be able to avoid any "raising wild animals for meat" issues with them.

Usually if it is just for your consumption the Feds aren't interested. It's when you start selling across state lines or reach a certain pretty high level of selling they get involved. You still need to check for any HMO, city, county, or state restrictions. As mentioned above, each one can be different.

 

[Severne]

I do know where I live, you have to band the mallards and I think you also need to clip off one of their toes, I don’t know though.

 

[Dylan Lambert]

Agreed. Looking into state laws is the way to go here. Federal limits on poultry for meat have alot to do with if you are taking them to a certified butcher or home processing. State laws are all over the place and those are the ones that matter more when it comes to small scale meat production. I think Maine's (where I live) limit on any poultry for meat is 2000 birds per year from an unlicensed grower, but that comes with stipulations and conditions. The next tier is 20k, but requires licensing.

No im asking can i raise and kill 100 mallard ducks? Because there is a limit to how many "wild" mallards can be killed in a given season. Is it different for farm raised vs. Wild.

 

[Severne]

Well, obviously there is, you just need to check your state laws. The limit is probably not going to be the same as a daily bag limit though. You might need a permit to even raise them. Just check the laws, if you don’t find anything call your wildlife department or county law department.