Mallard owners, tell me about your experience with this breed

[Going Quackers]

We are about to acquire two ducklings next week. Long short story was in our feed supply and they had some we asked and the end result is two will be set aside for us with the order next week.

My mother adores Mallards and i figured we are already up to our knees in Muscovy so a pair of mallards won't do much harm, besides my husband had one as a child. So the breed holds memories and fondness.

They are not going with the 'scovies i have drakes and they are big, obviously.. they will be penned instead, i know they are better fliers than my current ducks but what else should i know? They will have a pond as i know they are massive water lovers to be honest so are my 'scovies, i have been looking at the waterfowl pen set-ups and so forth...

Anyone care to share their experiences with the breed, tips? Thanks!

 

[Nsampsel]

I keep a wing clipped on mine to keep them here, otherwise they fit right in with the rest of the flock. My kids love them.

 

[Going Quackers]

I keep a wing clipped on mine to keep them here, otherwise they fit right in with the rest of the flock. My kids love them.

Would they be to small to be with Muscovy though? especially being i have drakes? None of them are nasty but their size makes things tricky.

 

[Nsampsel]

I have mine in with KC, Magpie, Runner, Swedish, Rouen/call mix, & black east indies. I'll be adding some Calls in soon & a couple Saxony. Just give them time to get used to each other. They will be fine.

 

[Going Quackers]

I have mine in with KC, Magpie, Runner, Swedish, Rouen/call mix, & black east indies. I'll be adding some Calls in soon & a couple Saxony. Just give them time to get used to each other. They will be fine.

Oh ok, that's promising! They will be too young at first but we'll see what we get and then go from there, thanks for sharing.

 

[Nsampsel]

Try penning them close to the others daily (weather permitting) as soon as they are big enuf to go outside. With the weather as warm as it is here mine have been spending about 1-2 weeks in the brooder & then are moved to the grow out pen with the smaller chickens. All of my coops/pens are connected in 1 corner so they can all see & hear each other. Depending on how quickly they grow, I introduce them to the bigger ducks when they are about 2/3 grown (3-6 weeks depending on the bird) but stand there & supervise for half hour to an hour to make sure all is well & everyone is interacting ok before leaving them together. Sometimes it takes a couple days of introductions, sometimes they take right to each other. If you get a really BAD reaction, wait several days before trying again. I don't think I've had to try more than twice on any of mine. All ducks are different tho.

 

[Kevin565]

Personality difference is the big thing for me. All of my Mallards have always had feisty personalities. They are also more active breeders than my other ducks

 

[Going Quackers]

Try penning them close to the others daily (weather permitting) as soon as they are big enuf to go outside. With the weather as warm as it is here mine have been spending about 1-2 weeks in the brooder & then are moved to the grow out pen with the smaller chickens. All of my coops/pens are connected in 1 corner so they can all see & hear each other. Depending on how quickly they grow, I introduce them to the bigger ducks when they are about 2/3 grown (3-6 weeks depending on the bird) but stand there & supervise for half hour to an hour to make sure all is well & everyone is interacting ok before leaving them together. Sometimes it takes a couple days of introductions, sometimes they take right to each other. If you get a really BAD reaction, wait several days before trying again. I don't think I've had to try more than twice on any of mine. All ducks are different tho.

Sounds good, i have a large pen now it's not occupied as the duck & her baby are now foraging.. i do have some more ducklings due next week('scovies) but the mum & babes will probably stay in the barn for a 1wk or so before being penned, although i could easily divide it off.

 

[Nsampsel]

Personality difference is the big thing for me. All of my Mallards have always had feisty personalities. They are also more active breeders than my other ducks

I've noticed my 2 little Mallard Drakes tend to be the boss of the pen actually...LOL They keep all the other ducks in line

No worries bout them being picked on here!!!

 

[Going Quackers]

I've noticed my 2 little Mallard Drakes tend to be the boss of the pen actually...LOL They keep all the other ducks in line

No worries bout them being picked on here!!!

Interesting so your typical little dog syndrome? lol