Somewhat tame mallard ducks...will they migrate (1 Viewer)

[cadillactaste]

Sometime in July I had three mallard ducks show up. One actually was pecking at my French doors! So I put food out for them and gave them fresh water. Later found out that the neighbor across the lake had them since they were ducklings. They found my waterfall out back and had a blast investigating when they were younger.

Now they fly onto the lake...and walk across our drive and up into the yard to eat where I have their food bowl. Then typically fly off again. They have never bedded down around my place. Always assumed the neighbor penned them up at night.

They come in at least twice a day that I know of...but last night they lingered longer than usual. Instead of flying off...like when they were smaller.

So just curious...Will they stick around this winter...or migrate south?

We enjoy them visiting...but I must say. I had pondered getting ducklings this spring...but decided against it. For fear one may not show up at night to be penned up for safety...and finding something had gotten it. Now...that we are enjoying them. I contemplate next year...of possibly getting ducks that will stay here. And put up a small pen to tuck them away at night. I have fond memories of ducklings on the farm...raising them and having them in a box in the house when real small. I think though my kids are 13-16 they could still enjoy the experience...so...any suggestions on what duck makes a great pet?

 

[Jos Stratford]

So just curious...Will they stick around this winter...or migrate south?

They'll probably still migrate if the general population in your area migrates, but there are many populations that do not migrate anymore due to increased winter feeding and/or provision of ice-free locations such as power station outlets, etc.

Even as far north as Alaska, I seem to recall locals saying many Mallard on Wintchester lagoon (pool in Anchorage park) no longer migrate due to feeding.

 

[cadillactaste]

Thanks Joe!

The pen where the neighbor had them penned up is getting high with grass. So I doubt she pens them up at night any longer...I've seen them fly in with other mallards to only run up our hill for food. Leaving the group at the lake. Was curious if they stuck around this winter if they should be penned up at night for their safety. I didn't wish to discuss this with the neighbor who had them originally...and upset her. If they would migrate.

Which maybe why they are no longer being penned...so they will migrate. Who knows...two drakes and a hen. One would imagine they would seek partners later... Moving on.

 

[Jos Stratford]

Slightly misunderstood first post - I presumed they were wild and had been around the neighbour's place since ducklings as wild ducklings. If they are captive bred, I would say there is a high chance they will hang around.

PS who is Joe?

 

[birdboybowley]

PS who is Joe?

I'm sure you've been called worse mate.......!

 

[cadillactaste]

Slightly misunderstood first post - I presumed they were wild and had been around the neighbour's place since ducklings as wild ducklings. If they are captive bred, I would say there is a high chance they will hang around.

PS who is Joe?

My bad...Jos...I was on my iPhone without my glasses. On a larger screen and see my error. Sorry about that.

I am assuming they were tame/captive possibly...I just don't know for certain. Other than the lady across the lake had a pen...and a kiddy pool for the ducks when they were small. Though the pen has grown full of weeds...though if they are only nesting down there...that coud be why. They fly away...yet I see them fly in and land...and hustle up to eat at our home. Sometimes lingering...then flying off again.