tell me about Mallard's

[HSerChickLady]

When we had our family chat last night my hubby was much more enthusiastic about getting Mallards than some of the other breeds we were looking at, though he did like Cayugas as well. So here's our questions:

Can you keep Mallards, Cayugas, Swedish, and Welsh Harlequin together? We didn't know if their smaller size was a problem? If it is will they do ok with just 1 or 2 other larger breeds and not three? (if we need to limit our choices they'd be mallard and cayuga at least)

If we get Mallards only is 1 drake enough to go with 5 or more females? Or do they need to be kept in pairs like they'd do in the wild?

Are Mallards good for child kept flocks? These are for our kids, though we'll be helping as well.

Anything else we should know? The breed descriptions i've got are lacking in the details of their keeping. Thanks!

 

[CelticOaksFarm]

Mallards are small, can fly very well and require permits in most/many states to keep them. They will need an enclosure with a top to keep them from flying away. They are small, and could be more easily injured by children.

I would suggest large fowl ducks that wouldn't fly. Swedish, WH, Silver Appleyards to name a few. These would also be easier for the kids help take care of. They could also (as adults) be permitted to free range in your yard and be locked up at night for safety.

 

[CelticOaksFarm]

Oh and we run our LF ducks with 1 drake and 3-5 girls. If you do more than one breed you will want seperate housing to keep them from cross breeding. Or select all girls as you don't need a drake unless you plan to hatch eggs in the future.

 

[HSerChickLady]

Thanks. I'll check with the DEC and see if we need a permit to have Mallards here. We were already planning a run with a roof on it so that is covered there. They're all going to be living in 1 coop and pen so we thought we'd probably just do females if we get multiple breeds. We'd only get a male if we were doing all 1 breed but so far we haven't been able to choose just 1.

 

[Kevin565]

When we had our family chat last night my hubby was much more enthusiastic about getting Mallards than some of the other breeds we were looking at, though he did like Cayugas as well. So here's our questions:

Can you keep Mallards, Cayugas, Swedish, and Welsh Harlequin together? We didn't know if their smaller size was a problem? If it is will they do ok with just 1 or 2 other larger breeds and not three? (if we need to limit our choices they'd be mallard and cayuga at least. Yes they can run together with multiple larger breeds but the larger males could potentially drown a mallard hen. I've never had this happen but I do know of a few cases of this.

If we get Mallards only is 1 drake enough to go with 5 or more females? Or do they need to be kept in pairs like they'd do in the wild. 1 would be fine. My mallard drakes are very active breeders.

Are Mallards good for child kept flocks? These are for our kids, though we'll be helping as well.Though they are smaller mallards are IMO more skittish than other breeds. However, imprinted mallards make excellent pets.

Anything else we should know? The breed descriptions i've got are lacking in the details of their keeping. Thanks!As long as you keep them in a secure pen you should be fine.

 

[dumb_cluck]

My first flock was Mallards, straight run of 6. Ended up with 4 females and two males. Perfect! During their youth, I lost one to the air after my mini horse bumped their pen.

The rest were fine until (again) my mini decided to rub on their outdoor pen. Got 5 back, then lost a male to the air.

The balance was taken by a mink all in the same night (in doors, in cages)

See my website for the details.

BTW, I still like Mallards because of their size and personalities. Flying......not so much.

 

[QuackerJackFarms]

I agree with everything Kevin565 said.

I want to add, I clip my drake's wing and the females won't leave his side. My mallards are very friendly, AND in my opinion... (just my opinion) they are a lot smarter than my Ancona.

(Don't get mad people! Maybe it's just mine that are smarter! ) LOL.

 

[HSerChickLady]

I think they have finally made up their minds. Looks like they want 4 Mallards (3 girls, 1 boy), 2 Cayuga, and 2 Blue Swedish. Now to see if the hubby is agreeable and we can place our order. Thanks so much for the help!