Ducks Flight Question

[XXXMasonXXX]

Hi all. General question about ducks and flying. I have five ducklings. About two weeks old now. Three mallards and two white layers. My question is if they grow up with me will they fly away when they’re older? If so, is there anything I can do, clip wings? If clipping wings are necessary, is it better to do it when they’re younger? I’ve read that the white layers may get too big to take flight but I’m unsure. Pictures for the interested.

 

[Quacking Pigeon]

Hi all. General question about ducks and flying. I have five ducklings. About two weeks old now. Three mallards and two white layers. My question is if they grow up with me will they fly away when they’re older? If so, is there anything I can do, clip wings? If clipping wings are necessary, is it better to do it when they’re younger? I’ve read that the white layers may get too big to take flight but I’m unsure. Pictures for the interested.

They shouldn’t fly away as domestic mallards do not migrate. One thing you can do, which I tend to do if I get new adult mallards is when they mature you can trim one of there wings so they go off balance, but you will have to be careful of blood feathers. I find after at least a year without flying, they won’t really try to do it. It is also a good time to handle them/ get them used to you in this time. I will link a video on trimming wings:

Overall, it really depends on your situation. If you don’t lock up your ducks they would be better with there wings so they can escape predators, but at the same time it can also attract predators. I’m sure some other members of the community can help you out.

Edit: Also, those are some cute duckies!!!

 

[shawluvsbirds]

Here is what I like to do on both sides. I don't like them to be off balance in case they get spooked and fly into something And get injured. I leave the last two flights for looks and also so they can still fly a little to help them escape a predator if needed but can't get much lift.