Wild mallards can I release them into the wild?

[doIreallylikeeggsthismuch]

I would like to raise about 5 wild mallard ducks. We have harsh winters so I am not able to keep them through the winter. May I raise them from chicks and then release them. Will they survive or is this not a great idea? I would release them in an area with other wild mallards.

 

[1lpoock]

Where do you plan on getting mallards at?

 

[MuranoFarms]

They're not wild if you raise them. They're pets. They're only wild if a wild mother duck raises them.

 

[acid_chipmunk]

I agree with the above poster. Once you raise them, they are pets and no longer are wild. They rely on you for food and if you release them, they won't know what to do. Also, most places it is illegal to release animals like that and if caught, you can face a hefty fine from your Conservation officers.

 

[ranchhand]

Not a great idea. And the young ones are ducklings, not chicks.

 

[1lpoock]

Hatchery mallards are not wild, they are domesticated. Taking true wild mallards from the wild is illegal. It is also illegal to release pet ducks into the wild. If you get them you should probably just keep them.

 

[Boggy Bottom Bantams]

Quote:
All that's true, it's illegal to release any captive birds into the wild, too many disease risk involve as wella s other fatcors, plus if raised in captivity, they will not survive, they will not have learned the things they need to from their mother.
Also, Unless you are at 100 below a duck will handle any winter you throw at it, they are built for the cold, actually love it.
-40 is nothing to them, so keep them....

 

[lovesduckies]

i have read everywhere that releasing domesticated poultry into the wild is illegal. that is why i did not join the navy (well a part of the reason). i got a pair of duckies and my parents decided they didn't want to babysit ducks while i was gone and my babies are more important to me. if you raise them yourself and release them into the wild, they will most likely die. i don't know why people think it's a good idea to do so, i guess they aren't as animal educated as most of us here. please, if you'd like to raise them, keep them so they don't die in the wild. they won't know how to make it being as they weren't raised in the wild.

 

[phikhanhs123]

what could happend if someone steal from True wild mallard nest and they have hatchery mallard flock. IF they do , they can switch their Domestic mallard to True wild mallard. Then release other flock. Domestic mallard are 99% they have a mix pronegy back then.

 

[desertdarlene]

I think I've read some research somewhere that many captive-raised mallards don't migrate, so chances are they will stick around your home, anyway.

But, yes, it's not a good idea to get ducks of any breed and release them.