Wild or maybe not ?

[enola]

There is a pair of Mallard ducks hanging around my house this week. They are tame enough to come up to me if I throw them some oats or corn. They will not get real close to me and move away if I try to get close to them.

My question is - - - How can I tell if they are tame or wild ? What is the difference ?

They are not afraid of my dogs, one is in a kennel and one is on a dog trolley. The dogs of course jump and bark when they come up the driveway, but, the ducks ignore them.

I wonder why the hen is not setting yet ?

 

[realmofthewoodsranch]

Usually they tag the domesticated ones with a webbing punch, cutting off the hind toe on one (or both in some states, maybe?) or some form of banding.. Also, they might be pinioned (not able to fly because of first joint of wing removal or dislocation)... Good luck!

 

[enola]

Right now they are in my fish pond !

(He lured her in the water and then molested her !)

Any way, they are not pinioned, I have seen her flying. They are so pretty.

I haven't seen any bands and I cannot get close enough to see if the webbing has a punch.

 

[xfilesnumber1fan]

I have mallards and they dont have anything taging them no bands either...Mine can fly but dont go anywhere,had them since they were babies

 

[RockyToggRanch]

They're probably looking for a good nesting spot. If you have a fish pond, your place is attractive to them. Keep in mind that ducks eat fish.....

 

[enola]

Don't worry about the fish, the pond only has water in it. No fish.

 

[enola]

If she is looking for a nesting site, should I put a large pile of leaves next to the pond ? Maybe she would make a nest in them ? Maybe the upper half of a large dog crate with leaves in it would tempt her ?

They seem content to hang out here since I have been feeding them.