New Mandarins and Teal this week, how to introduce to aviary?

[Doctor T]

I'm getting my first Mandarins and Ringed Teal this week. They're coming via Express mail.

They'll be going in 30 by 40 aviary, which is currently empty, except for a 15 by 20 pond. I'm wondering if I should just release them immediately into the aviary, or place them into a holding cage first, to let them acclimate?

Any suggestions?

 

[KansasKid]

I wouldn't see a need for a quarantine pen since there is no other birds in the aviary. Someone else might have a better idea how but i would have food and water already set up in the aviary and would set the boxes in the corner of a pen and cut the zip ties or whatever is keeping them closed gently lay the box on its side. Make sure that the box is opened up a little bit and slowly walk out and away from the aviary. I did this with my ringed teal and pintails. The ringed teal slowly walked out and checked stuff out but the pintails burst out and started flying into stuff..... So just an idea....

 

[waterdog]

I would put them right in near the pond, just be carefull if they are fullwinged that they don't fly into something and hurt themselves. By letting them go at waters edge they will most likely go right in the water without flying.

 

[Doctor T]

Thanks for the suggestions. I placed their shipping boxes next to the water, opened them a little, and they jumped right in, acted like they'd lived there forever!!
Sharing my first picture!

 

[waterdog]

They look right at home

 

[aldren90]

Where did you get those cause your manddies are white throated i love those did you get them from mallard lane farms

 

[Doctor T]

Quote:
Yes I did! They're stunning!!