Need Help Asap About Mallard Ducklings!!!

[horsegooroo15]

So we found two mallard ducklings, that look to be about one week in age. They have been orphaned or lost unfortunatly, so I took them in and got my chick brooder ready for them. I have water, feed (using gamefowl starter), bedding, and a heat lamp just like a do with my chicks (minus the gamefowl feed). They are very timid around people. They run away when you reach in to cage and when you hold them the cry for eachother, so for now i have let them be in peace and just let them eat out of my hand. I have never had ducks before and i need help. I have already set up a little pool for them (about 5 in deep) and only let them swim in supervision, and there is a brick/rock island in there too. I help getting them used to human interaction and thinking that "i am their mom". Also, if they are tame when they grow up can i keep them with my silkie hens in the large chicken pen if i add a dog house and a kitty pool? Also, would i have to clip their wings or let them fly? Would they fly away (for good) if i let them free range with the hens? I have many questions so all help is needed, thanks!

 

[One Acre Wonder Farm]

Sounds like you are taking good care of them

Your plan of keeping them with your chickens sounds like it will work, though as I'm sure you've already noticed ducks are messy!!

I've never owned mallards, but it seems like you would have to clip their wings if you didn't want them to fly. I think as long as their wings are clipped they could range with your chickens.

Some experienced mallard owner will come along who'll be more helpful!!

 

[katharinad]

Here is the thing, most states require you to get a license for taking in wild animals. You better check with your local wild life agency. I had once a duck that was a wild one , and we did raise her. Only difference is that we did not handle her much, because we wanted her to stay as wild as possible. Later she would follow us around, but never touch her. That is pretty normal for a wild duck growing up in captivity without another duck. She had a save pen, we did lock her into the duck house at night (she walked in by herself every evening), and were happy when she started to fly over the house in circles to build strength. Was an amazing thing to see and the duck looked so happy too. Anyway, later in fall she did join the wild ducks and left. They will do that anyway, and it is in their best interest not to trust people. Your chance of them staying by free will are very slim to almost none. It is not right to clip a wild ducks wings and rob it of its natural drive. Take this experience the get domestic duck eggs next season for your own flock. That is exactly what I'm doing.
Katharina