DOMESTIC MALLARD DUCKS

This wild species frequents most countries in the Northern Hemisphere, and is believed to be the parent stock of all domestic duck breeds, with the single exception of the Muscovy. Mallards readily adapt to domestication and in four or five generations of heavy feeding in captivity will increase dramatically in size and lose much of their desire and ability to fly.

The Mallard drake is one of the most beautiful of all waterfowl with his iridescent green head, white neck collar, chestnut breast, silver underbody, blue wing speculum and reddish-orange feet. Except for her iridescent blue wing speculum, the hen’s plumage is a mellow, though attractive, combination of almond and golden browns, with dark brown and black penciling.

Along with Muscovies, genuine Mallards are the most self-reliant of all breeds. The hens are outstanding mothers and will hatch a high percentage of their greenish-buff or bluish eggs if not molested repeatedly while nesting. When there is an abundant supply of natural foods, hens are capable of raising their broods with little or no supplementary feed.

Dave Holderread. Raising the Home Duck Flock

 Hatchlings Since 2014: 610

CHARACTERISTICS

AKA: Green Heads, Flying Type: Duck Lay Rate: Seasonal Egg Size: Medium Egg Color: Green
Origin: North America Nature: Flighty Hardy: Yes Comb: -- Source: Ideal
Broody: YesRarity: CommonFree Range: Yes
Notes: Capable of full flight. Males will develop a green tinge to bill ~8-9 weeks.

ROBERTS FARM

I originally bought Mallard ducklings because I found it amazing that Nature could produce such brilliant colors. It took a little adjustment figuring out the best way to address their specific needs – they’re messy little creatures. However, a bit of space, a concrete pond, and bowl waterers took care of any difficulty. They will lay their eggs in protected areas but prefer to range outside even during the coldest, messiest weather. Our mallards are not the friendliest birds preferring to keep their distance from humans and other poultry, but they are a sight to watch especially when swimming in the pond.
 

HATCHING EGGS

Fertile Mallard duck hatching eggs are usually available during non-peak hatching months, June through August, and are sold in lots of one-half dozen. They may also be available, from time-to-time, during January-May but will incur an additional premium. At this time, we do not ship eggs. For information on hatching eggs click here to see our Incubation Guide.

The eggs we sell are the same eggs we hatch and are collected and stored in the same manner as the eggs we hatch. However, because of the complex factors involved in artificial incubation, we make no guarantee of fertility or hatchability. For the 2014 hatch season, 76% of all Mallard eggs set hatched successfully.
 

LINKS & DOCUMENTS
          Mallard: from Wikipedia
          Mallard Care Sheet: Roberts Farm
          Mallard Ducks: from National Geographic
          Mallard: About All Birds: from Cornell Labs
          Raising a Home Duck Flock: 1982, PDF Book by Dave Holderr
          Raising Ducks: Dave Holderread
          Risk of Human Salmonella Infection: CDC


Calvin & Cindy Roberts
488 County Road 335
San Augustine, Texas 75972
(936) 652-1940 (Text Only)• mail@calvinroberts.us
DISCLAIMER: Prices, products, and services described on this website may or may not accurately reflect current prices, products, and services and are subject to change without prior notice. For more current information, please contact us by telephone or email. Live animals carry risk of salmonella and other diseases and should be handled accordingly