MALLARD DUCK

Two Mallard ducks (Anas platyrhynchos). Male and female. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

The Mallard duck is the most common species you will find around. It can be found in areas around the world where there are fairly warm temperatures. Most of them head down South for the winter months though. They feature beautiful colors and you can easily tell the males from the females. Only the male Mallard ducks feature the beautiful emerald green color on their heads and upper body. The females feature a very light tan or brown color in that area of their body.

During the warmer times of the year, it is common to find Mallard ducks relaxing on the waters of ponds and small lakes. They quickly catch on to the fact that people will come to these areas to feed them. Their natural diet consists of seeds, plants, and even small fish and frogs. They will also eat bread and popcorn when people come around with it. In fact, they will fight each other for it even though they aren’t hungry. They will consume all that is coming their way.

Even so, Mallard ducks are considered to be a wild type of duck. They are decedents of the various forms of domestic ducks out there though. They do seem to be comfortable around people. Those that have become accustomed to getting fed by them will even go up to people and take what they have to offer. 

Mallard ducks breed quite easily as long as their basic needs are being met. They will lay approximately 10 eggs at a time. The young ducks will hatch in about 60 days and the mother will take very good care of them. They know how to swim instinctively from the moment they hatch. She will teach them how to stay away from predators as well as how to search for food. They are very loving and caring mothers to their young babies. 

Some individuals keep Mallard ducks as pets. They have a small pond on their property that they ducks live on. If they have well cared for them will return to the same location year after year. Some people put them in cages but they tend not to do well in such isolation. They will refuse to eat and many will die if you don’t allow them to have the freedom to explore. 

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Raising MALLARD DUCKS - 5 Vital Tips For Beginners

Mallard Duck Hen - Photo: Maxpixel

Ducks are the commonly found pets and social birds too. They can be easily raised by human beings. Though these pretty birds fear the human, it is quite easy to raise the ducklings. Pets are just like our children, they understand the language of love and compassion. So, if you are thinking of raising Mallard ducks, then some tips given below can be quite useful.

1. Caging

Cages are very important for the raising Mallard ducks. It is always good to raise more than one duckling since these social pets love the company of others. Initially, these cute pets can be stored in cages with some material that can be the source of warmth for them. In the absence of their mother duck, these ducklings need to grow in the similar and natural warmth, isn't it? The ducklings with their mother do not need any heat source since the mother takes complete care of them.

As the ducklings are raised, one can find them moving around in the time span of 2 to 3 weeks. These birds generally look for warmth in the beginning. After they grow to ducks within 4 to 5 weeks, one can see them moving in any type of environment, either warm or cold. The cage for one duck is generally larger in size that measures around 10 sq. ft.

2. Water

Raising Mallard ducks cannot be done without sufficient water. If ducklings are alone, then, little water is supplied for them. Ducklings without their mother cannot swim because they cannot produce the oil for their features that help them to swim. Due to this, we need to be careful because these cute pets might drown. When they are with their mother, the duck oils the feathers for her ducklings and then they can swim easily. For the ducks, ponds are the best for swimming. Even when they can leave without them, it is always good to have an artificial pond to keep the ducks happy.

3. Food

Ducklings love to have fresh greens and weeds. Game bird starter feed is also good for them. Once they grow to ducks in 5 weeks, one can change their feed to the game bird grower feed. You can also try a special duck feeder that can be easily available in the pet stores that provide the feed for raising Mallard ducks. Drinking water can be stored in a large clean bowl for the ducks.

4. Shelter

Shelter plays very important role in raising Mallard ducks. Shelter protects them from the heat, rain, snow, and cold. A wooden shelter can be easily made for the comfort of your beloved pets.

5. Special Care

The health and happiness of the ducks can give them a longer life. Your ducks need special care and for that, some tips below can be useful in raising Mallard ducks.

1. One needs to take them out of the pen daily.

2. After that they are free searching for food, flying and swimming

3. Keep a watch on your ducks to protect them from predators

4. Cleaning their cage is very important

5. Make sure that the floor for the ducks is not too hard for them to walk

So, finally, your pets need a lot of food, water, shelter, and care too. Well, raising Mallard ducks is quite interesting and can be done will complete care of the pets.

By Mary Louise Are you looking for more tips on raising Peking ducks or Mallard ducks? If you think you still need guidance on where to start, consulting existing duck owners and farmers will certainly be a big help. If you would like to learn more about raising ducks correctly, click here: howtoraiseducks.com Article Source: EzineArticles

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