The Migratory/Ornamental Waterfowl INFO Thread

[Boggy Bottom Bantams]

well, I just happen to, LOL
The cacklers are members of the canada geese family, all are fairly docile as far as geese go, even the bar heads and barnacles. They can be a bit bullie ish in breeding season but Most of these smaller , migratory geese are great mix collection birds. Some like cape barren geese can be nasty buggers though so good to do research first on them.
Of the species you mentioned, all nest well, get along well even with smaller ducks, they are closely related though and will cross breed if you arent careful.
Is there any specific questions you have about them?
They are of course all ground nesters. Great flyers. Heavy grazers. Produce well, brood well, eat a basic diet. Hi protein should be avoided in all species goslings to prevent the risk of angel wing, there is a much greater risk of it in geese than ducks. Large pens the better with them, especially if in mixed collections. The red breasted is also a extremely beautiful species, but pricey... The ones you listed will be available from $100- $150 per yearling pair on average.

 

[rilly10]

I thought you would be able to help! LOL! That pretty much answered all of my questions! I really just wanted to know what they were like to keep and if they were friendly. Also...what is the difference between Richardson and Cackling geese and how do they all compare in size? Thanks so much!!!!

 

[Boggy Bottom Bantams]

never seen the Richardson's first hand, but they are commonly called Richardson's cackler geese. They are just another one of the 6 or so subspecies of Canadas.
The true cackler is the smallest, Domestic duck sizes. Richardson's are a mid sized Canada.

 

[run_trip_fall]

BBB I need your advise.

I am taking care of a duckling that I found walking the streets of my parents subdivison. I looked for a mom or siblings all over and saw no one. I've had her for 3 days now and have figured out that she is a Black bellied tree duck and is approximately 3-5 weeks old (thanks to the great people on this site). Her name is Gypsy and she's eating (Non-medicated Chick Starter 20% protien) and for being a wild duck is very tame and likes to be around people. Gypsy is my first duck and I want to make sure I do everything right. Is it Illegal for me to even have her? I have sooo many questions and people have been so helpful here and after reading your post on Tree Ducks I think I can do this. Another question I have is we have an inground pool and from what I've read I dont believe the chlorine will hurt her but I want to be sure. Also does she need a ducky friend around her age? Any thing you would like to add that I didnt ask and you think I should know please let me know!!!!

Thanks in advance.

Oh and heres a picture of her!!!

Oh and the cage was one we formerly used when we bred lovebirds. She is only in it at night, I worry about opossums or racoons catching her off gaurd while shes sleeping here in the suburbs. I know she will out grow it quickly.

 

[Boggy Bottom Bantams]

yep, thats a black belly alright. One think about them I always liked, is they are people ducks, very tame from the get go.

It's not required, but yes treeducks are a community species and usually travel in large groups of birds, so a buddy would be a great addition.
Feed ration sounds perfect for her.
Great idea to watch the critters at night, they'd eat her in a heart beat.
As for the is it illegal to keep her thing, well technically, yes, without a proper form 3-186 from a licensed breeder, it is illegal to own her
Many people do it though. Personally, I cant say keep her or not,..... but if caught, all they do is confiscate the bird in a case like this, and I'll leave that at that, LOL

There are quite a few breeders in Texas if you'd like to get some permitted ones to go with her, they are great, and just wait til it starts to whistle! To me, their various calls are some of the coolest in the bird world.

also, no, in moderation the chlorine will not hurt her. I wouldnt let her just live off it, but a here and there trip to the pool will be fine. Unlike most wild species, treeducks are kind of goose like in they spend a good bit of their time on land grazing, where a normal duck almost is always on the water.
If you have any more questions along the way, feel free to ask away.
She's beautiful, and looks very healthy

 

[kangababy]

Quote:
Here is out avairy so far..
I started a new topic under Ornamental fowl if anyone would like to wathc the progess

https://www.backyardchickens.com/forum/viewtopic.php?id=400576

We are planning on getting the ground level on the back side this weekend and hoping to get at least the wire put up!

 

[run_trip_fall]

BBB

if you could give me a list of breeders in texas that would be able to help me get her a friend or 3 or 8 or 10 im falling in love with ducks HARD.

Thanks again for all your help!

 

[Boggy Bottom Bantams]

Quote:
Iknow the feeling, once you ever have one, it's over with.

Doug Mc Nutt is a great guy down you way, he has a few different types, not sure about the tReeducks. He is on here under DMFarms
If he doesnt have any, I'm sure he knows someone near you. If not I will be glad to digg threw some old magazines and get you some names up

 

[run_trip_fall]

Quote:
Iknow the feeling, once you ever have one, it's over with.

Doug Mc Nutt is a great guy down you way, he has a few different types, not sure about the tReeducks. He is on here under DMFarms
If he doesnt have any, I'm sure he knows someone near you. If not I will be glad to digg threw some old magazines and get you some names up

MY HEROE!!!!!!

 

[destinduck]

hey aubrey, just wanted to tell you Im getting a trio of baikals Im excited

never had them. Ill post some pics when they come. sold my 3 prs of black-bellies and 1pr cape teal to get em now I MISS EM ALREADY

BUT my friend said I could get babies when they have them next year

also if you cant get any black bellies in texas I have afriend in tennesse (joey austin) that has some