Mallard ???

[lil'chickies]

Do you have to clip their wings to keep them from flying off? I guess I should have researched more before I went to the store. Such an impulsive shopper though. Especially when fuzzy butts are involved!!

 

[ChickenToes]

Yes, you'll have to clip their wings.

 

[Duck Keeper]

OR, you can wait until they feather out and continually clip their feathers.

 

[TexasVet]

Mine can fly, and they do if I try to catch them, but they mostly just hang around my pond and the chicken run. If you clip their wings, they can't get away from predators. That's why I like mallards... they're the only breed I've raised that survived the coons, foxes, dogs, and coyotes.

If they hear me feeding the chickens, they come a running! They waddle like little keystone cops all the way from the pond to the coop, which is a pretty good distance. I don't know why they prefer walking and running to flying, but they do.

Kathy in Texas
www.CountryChickens.com

 

[Ducklove334]

you'll have to clip their wings, and or build a pen, my ducks live in a large flight pen, so the mallards and calls can fly if they want to, but can't go anywhere

 

[lil'chickies]

Does anyone know of a website on how to clip their wings? I plan to free range all my birds. We have 100 acres her and about 20 of that is cleared of brush. Our yard alone is 2 acres. I don't want to cage them if I don't have to.

 

[cowman910]

if you raise them from when they are young then they will remember you and always stay close to home

 

[WalkingWolf]

With 100 acres and free ranging I would let them fly. I have a mallard/pekin drake 2 months old and he can get a inch off the ground briefly. When he gets older I am going to clip his wings to keep him in the yard, as I have neighbors that might not like him pooping in their yards. Duck poop is smelly and messy.

 

[TexasVet]

If you're going to let them freerange, don't clip their wings. If you do, the predators will get them. I've only got 7 acres here, but the coyotes, raccoons, and foxes are a big problem.

Just my two cents

Kathy in Texas
www.CountryChickens.com

 

[SnapHappii]

Quote:
Agreed about clipping the wings! My Mallards stay here all through winter and they will come flying up to the barn to get feed!