Wood ducks and Mandarin ducks?

[Jimmyjaffee]

I am really interested in getting adult wood duck and Mandarin duck pairs. I currently have 18 ducks (all mallards). I also had Pekins, Indian Runners, and Swedish ducks in the past. I am curious to know more about keeping wood/mandarin ducks and their behavior. I know that they usually need nesting boxes above the ground and I'm planning on building a separate pen for them but will I ever be able to let them out or will they fly away and never come back. I live on a seven acre pond and all my mallards are trained to come back to the pen every evening. Also, will the females lay eggs in the nesting boxes and will they all get along with the mallards if they are near each other?

 

[Russianbeast101]

No they will fly away away immediately and never come back also if they get near a mallard they're dead. Had to learn the hard way. Wasted four of each kind.

 

[charlindabob]

I had a flock of over 50 Mandarins, both white and wild colored and yes they will need nest boxes, but be aware that they like to nest dump and one duck can't hatch two or more clutches. Also, my advice is to purchase ducklings or full grown Mandarins instead of eggs unless you have a broody hen (chicken, duck, etc.) to put the eggs under. Thinking of using an incubator, remember my post here, don't do it unless you are an expert at hatching hard to hatch duck eggs.
Also, Mandarins are extremely flighty, not personable, and the only thing they have going is that they IMO are the most beautiful duck in the world.