Should they be flying by now?

[Stanui]

My Mallards were born on April 27th. That would make them about 9 or 10 weeks old. I kind of thought they would be flying by now. So far they can get about 5 feet off the ground and fly a few feet, but that's all. Is this typical?

 

[1lpoock]

They should be flying...but they might just like it around your house and they have no urge to fly around somewhere else...

 

[Stanui]

Is there anything I can do to encourage them? We have 5 acres of swampy land with a small pond. I would love for them to enjoy it all, but all they do is hang around the house!

 

[ChickenToes]

They are still a bit young to fly. My newest Mallard is about the same age as yours. He's attempting to fly, but he's not quite there yet. By 12 weeks they should be completely feathered, including the flight feathers, that's when I'm expecting him to take off.