Mallard Duck Regulations

[DenverDucky]

I was asked this question earlier thought I would pass it on here.

Q: How would the authorities differentiate between a wild duckling that's been banded and a domestic ?

A: Wild mallard metal bands used to have an identification number on them. Then it was changed to "AVISE BIRD BAND WASH DC". Now they will either be inscribed with "CALL 1-800-327 BAND" or "WRITE BIRD BAND LAUREL MD 20708 USA" followed by an 8 or 9 digit number.

 

[Lanicus]

Then why would they sell them in abundance at the farm stores and say nothing about marking them? Lol i think it's enough proof if the bird dosent fly away at the first sight of a human!

 

[DenverDucky]

I don't know why they would sell them unmarked. That's why I would order through a hatchery that follows with FWS laws such as Metzers that states what they do and why they do it so customers understand that there are laws pertaining to mallards.

 

[DanAndQuails]

It would make sense that way Lanicus, but I just don't know what the FWS exactly requires for mallard duck legality.
I also found this thread from a while ago:

https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/450821/seamless-bands

And DenverDucky,where would I get those bands with that inscription from?

 

[JJRS]

If you are worried about it just cut the right hind toe off with a sharp pair of scissors. The bird will not even know you did it. It may bleed a couple drops but just as often it doesn't. I have clipped many hind toes with no ill results whatsoever. That will satisfy any and all requirements by law.

 

[DenverDucky]

And DenverDucky,where would I get those bands with that inscription from?

Another question to ask FWS

If you are worried about it just cut the right hind toe off with a sharp pair of scissors. The bird will not even know you did it. It may bleed a couple drops but just as often it doesn't. I have clipped many hind toes with no ill results whatsoever. That will satisfy any and all requirements by law.

This just encourages people to do this to any mallard, even if it's wild.

 

[JJRS]

Another question to ask FWS

This just encourages people to do this to any mallard, even if it's wild.

I am not making up the FEDERAL LAW just explaining that compliance is not difficult. Based on the stated fact that the ducklings in question were legally purchased, and are under 6 weeks old. SEE BELOW:
"3. Do I need to mark waterfowl that I propagate?
Yes. All live migratory waterfowl (including progeny) possessed in captivity under authority of a valid
Waterfowl Sale and Disposal permit must, prior to 6 weeks of age, be physically marked using one of the following
methods:
(a) Removal of the hind toe from the right foot.
(b) Pinioning of a wing by removing the metacarpal bones of one wing or a portion of the metacarpal bones
thereby rendering the bird permanently incapable of flight.
(c) Banding of one metatarsus with a seamless metal band.
(d) Tattooing a readily discernible number or letter or combination thereof on the web of one foot."

 

[JJRS]

BTW, if they came from TSC they are not "wild type" mallards and do not require marking. I bought some once and they wound up being Rouens.

 

[DenverDucky]

I am not making up the FEDERAL LAW just explaining that compliance is not difficult. Based on the stated fact that the ducklings in question were legally purchased, and are under 6 weeks old. SEE BELOW:
"3. Do I need to mark waterfowl that I propagate?
Yes. All live migratory waterfowl (including progeny) possessed in captivity under authority of a valid
Waterfowl Sale and Disposal permit must, prior to 6 weeks of age, be physically marked using one of the following
methods:
(a) Removal of the hind toe from the right foot.
(b) Pinioning of a wing by removing the metacarpal bones of one wing or a portion of the metacarpal bones
thereby rendering the bird permanently incapable of flight.
(c) Banding of one metatarsus with a seamless metal band.
(d) Tattooing a readily discernible number or letter or combination thereof on the web of one foot."

I didn't say you were making anything up, I've posted the FSW laws multiple times on this board. I meant what I said about encouraging anyone to be able to just take a mallard from the wild and mark it themselves is wrong.

BTW, if they came from TSC they are not "wild type" mallards and do not require marking. I bought some once and they wound up being Rouens.

If they are mallards they a required to be marked. Rouens do not. But by law mallards should be marked "prior to sale" as stated in the FWS regulation


(c) When so marked, such live birds may be disposed of to, or acquired from, any person and possessed and transferred in any number at any time or place: Provided, That all such birds shall be physically marked prior to sale or disposal regardless of whether or not they have attained 6 weeks of age.

 

[JJRS]

The "mallards" in the case I am referring to originated at Tractor Supply. I am NOT providing a criminal suggestion because the birds came from a department store in the first place (not "the wild") It is unfortunate you decided I was "encouraging anyone to be able to just take a mallard from the wild and mark it themselves" by taking my comment completely out of context (the thread it addressed). The suggestion was provided IN THIS THREAD ONLY merely to relieve someone's apprehension. The concept of fraudulently marking wild birds that are property of the United States was never expressed or implied...on my end.