wood duck or mandarin duck experts please look...with pics!!!!

[chickenlittle32]

Well, recently, we met an old man that told us he had mandarins and wood ducklings for sale. DH and I went to his house, caught them...sat and talked with him for a while. When we were about to leave, he says, if I ended up giving you a wood and a mandarin, please let me know...so since them, I have been worried that we don't have a pair. What do you think?

What we were told was a female...



what we were told was male...








If I need to get more pics, please let me know.

 

[ChickensInTheNorthWoods]

Looks like a pair of wood ducks to me.

 

[geosheets]

Quote:
I agree... definitely a pair of wood ducks... female and male as you labeled. Here's a site with good camparison pics of a female mandie and wood duck side by side... pic is about half way down.
http://www.feathersite.com/Poultry/NDG/Ducks/Mand/BRKMandarin.html

 

[chickenlittle32]

Oh I am so relieved...Either breed are beautiful...I just wanted to make sure we had a pair. Thanks for all the help!

 

[cawooduck]

Thats a definite pair!! Welcome to the wild ducks, have fun!!

 

[chickenlittle32]

Thank you cawooduck!!!! I have a few questions. Right now we have them in a pen that is off ground...so they can get used to our area...somewhat...They are pinioned...but we are scared that they will still try to escape. When would be the best time to let them with the rest of the flock?

 

[chickenlittle32]

We built there nest box and let them go with the rest of the flock. The drake is walking around with the mallards...etc...now the female wants to stay hidden...is that normal?

 

[cawooduck]

Quote:
The drake probably felt more comfortable and adjusted quicker than the hen, she will come around eventually, unless she is getting picked on by the other ducks which will keep her segregated from the flock. Give her time!!

As for escaping, just make sure there are no holes in the enclosure bigger than 2" and you should be fine! Or any structure they can climb up such as wood, landscaping and such, remember, wood ducks have claws and can climb with their feet!! And they are good at it!!

Take care!!.........Jason

 

[chickenlittle32]

We have the run enclosed with chainlink fence. Then we also went and put chicken wire around the whole thing as well. LOL We don't want to lose these guys. I am in love with them already. Last night, we sat outside and just watched the drake swim in the pond. I will get better pics of them soon!