Keeping mallards.

[Mallards and Quail]

Hello! I was wondering if anyone could share insight on how to keep mallards. I would like to get a few, they are a beautiful breed and are so majestic in flight. I wanted to get some for our property, I was wondering if it would be okay to let them free range during the day and put them up in the evening. I would also like for them to keeping their flying ability as we have several hawks and coyotes around the area. I was wondering if this would be possible at all or would it just result in them flying away. If so what are some alternatives? Thank you.

 

[Mallards and Quail]

Start them off in a pen with feed and as much water as you can come up with. Clip their wings. When they are settled in, begin letting one or two out of the pen. to forage.. They will stay around to be with their companions and the feed. Don't feed them outside the pen. They should be willing to go back into the pen in the evening to eat.. Go slow giving them more and more freedom as weeks and months go buy. The wing feathers will grow back and they will be able to fly again soon.

I have to say, it is risky. If they can fly and do not want to go into the pen at night there is not much you can do. Feeding them is your only form of control and that doesn't work if they can find all they want to eat elsewhere.

A pond will help a lot to keep them from leaving.

Thank you!

 

[Luv Ducks]

I keep mine in a covered pen because of predators. I do clip one wing but if not I have had one fly a few houses away but got it back though a kind neighbor. I have sold them to others. Some have flown completely away and others have stayed with their flock and done well. A small part of my yard is free range and that is how the one flew off. Some of the people I have sold them though did not clip and they never saw them again shortly after they got them from me. Good luck with yours.