Can wild ducks be tamed? I think they are mallards.

[savingdogs]

My husband and I were wanting to get some ducklings in the spring.

However, in a small pond which was created by alot of rain by my workplace, a small flock of mallards have moved in. At least I think that is what they are.

Is there any reason I should not try to catch wild birds? Can they be tamed? Would they carry disease that could spread to my chickens?

My boss would like them off the property and since I wanted ducks I thought perhaps they could just be "moved" here and I could tame their ducklings, eat them later. Or let them fly away and try to keep the babies.

Is this a real dumb idea?

 

[ArizonaNessa]

As far as "tame" I am thinking your answer is no. As for "wild" I would almost bet that they at least have external parasites such as mites/lice and would have to be treated for that. If they are indeed truly wild birds it would not be a good idea to introduce them to any domesticated birds that you have. It is really not a good idea to mix the two since most if not all wild birds carry something that will infect the rest of your birds. You also would probably have to keep them in an enclosed aviary or else they won't stay where you put them. I would also be willing to bet that you can't catch them. Nothing against you but trying to catch a "wild" bird is almost a joke. Oh and then you have to think about the fact that if they are native migratory birds it may just be illegal to mess with them altogether. Just my thoughts...good luck to you

 

[savingdogs]

No, thanks Arizonanessa, that is why I brought it up. I was thinking about the diseases but not migratory patterns and such, I had not thought of that!

Would it be a bad idea to attract wild ducks then? Around here it seems like if you make a pond they show up.

 

[ArizonaNessa]

They will come and they will go. I don't think there is anything you can really do about it. I would suggest not to feed them. The reason is if they are indeed migratory birds then you will potentially mess up their migration. They might stay longer than they should because there is a food source and then it might mess up their mating and such. I say leave them be and just enjoy them while they are there. I mean you don't really want to be the reason that the whole bird world went to hell in a handbasket now do you?

Oh and another thing is if they don't leave when they should they could possibly freeze or starve to death. They migrate for a reason and if you disrupt that reason then they could all die. Unless you are a hunter and it is legal and you are willing and ready to eat them. Just smile and wave

 

[silkiechicken]

Yeah, the biggest issue I think you'd have are the rules regarding migrating wildlife and the capturing of wildlife without permits and such. If you'd like to eat some ducks, I'd go with peking ducks for meat.

 

[BoiseBubba]

illegal to eat or keep without permit, plus they may transmit disease to your birds

 

[Bleenie]

I wish I could catch a couple of these wild Swans that showed up in my area the last couple years...

. knwo they'd probably beat my half to death though, lol.

 

[rainplace]

Hey there, savingdogs. If you're wanting to eat wild duck in the state of Washington you need to get a permit to hunt them. You can find the regulations governing migratory waterfowl here: http://wdfw.wa.gov/hunting/regs_seasons.html
Right now it's goose season.


If you all aren't hunters, then just get yourself some muscovy or pekin ducklings in the spring!

 

[savingdogs]

We did want ducks more for the eggs than the meat. I've tried duck meat a few times but found it pretty greasy. I'm sure there is a great recipe out there somewhere but in the meantime I was thinking eggs and possibly eating a few extra males if I get too many, that kind of thing.

I mostly find ducks humerous and would like to see more of them, bake with their eggs. Guess wild birds are not the thing. Thanks for all the great information, you guys rock!

 

[cawooduck]

Saving dogs,

Its illegal to catch wild ducks for the purpose of eating or keeping in captivity, unless you are a licensed hunter and hunt them with a shotgun which is the only legal means to kill them, in season of course!!

You really dont want to mess with wild ducks illegally, since you not only may find yourself in court with the state, but also with the federal fish and wildlife service.............not a good combo either way!!

You can however find wild type mallards from a breeder, just find a retreiver trainer (hunting dog trainer) in your area, most of them will either carry live ducks on hand or know where to get them from. Mallards are very easy to tame and are pretty friendly ducks, sometimes bothersome!!LOL They are about the tamest "wild type" duck out there!!

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