Keeperchris Posted June 1, 2012 Report Share Posted June 1, 2012 Hi All, Just a quick one, at what age do any of you out there that rear duck release them? We usually put ours out at 5 1/2 - 6 weeks old but they have grown so much this year that they are starting to peck. They are now just over 4 weeks old and I am considering releasing a few to free up the space a bit more. We have given them more space than usual as it is. They have a pond in the run/stables and plenty of drinkers and feeders. Any views welcome. Cheers Chris Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dunteige Mallard Posted June 3, 2012 Report Share Posted June 3, 2012 Hi, I am in the same situation as yourself, I have 300 mallard which are 4 weeks old today and i am considering releasing 100 out onto grass tomorrow to free up some space. There is some smaller ones which I will hold back for another week or two yet. The weather forecast is not too bad so i am going to take the chance with mine! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Son of a gun Posted June 5, 2012 Report Share Posted June 5, 2012 What age do mallard start to fly?? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Keeperchris Posted June 6, 2012 Author Report Share Posted June 6, 2012 Usually they will be 10 - 12 weeks when they can skim the water etc but a good few more weeks till they are fully blown flyers!! Have released a third of ours now the rest next week. It's all started again already !!!!!!!!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
M ROBSON Posted June 8, 2012 Report Share Posted June 8, 2012 They will be fine to put out at 4 weeks if they have started to feather up nicely, keep them in too long and they feather peck their rumps and start to go backwards. It's amazing how they come on once they've got out onto the water. I put 20 out on each pond a week early to snare any foxes that might be about. By the time the main lot go on these 20 are well ahead. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dunteige Mallard Posted July 29, 2012 Report Share Posted July 29, 2012 Well lads how are the ducks comeing on now? mine are 12 weeks old, only some of them are flying, they appear to be a week behind this year for some reason.. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Keeperchris Posted July 31, 2012 Author Report Share Posted July 31, 2012 (edited) Most of mine r flying now, they are nearly all fed far enough away from the pond too. All are over 150 yds from the ponds feeding and are going even further slugging each morning. They are 13 weeks old. Edited July 31, 2012 by Keeperchris Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Son of a gun Posted August 1, 2012 Report Share Posted August 1, 2012 Ours are now capable of flying but are quite tame, also they don't like to fly any1 got any tips for getting them off the water. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ferretboy111 Posted August 1, 2012 Report Share Posted August 1, 2012 Feed em away from the pond they will soon start to fly. If not chuck a dog in to scare em up. You won't need to do that untill a couple of weeks before shooting them though. Cheers A Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dunteige Mallard Posted August 2, 2012 Report Share Posted August 2, 2012 Mine are feeding once per day walked out to about 300 yards and walked back to the pond, I will eventually feed them about 600 yards from the pond. They are holding tight to the ground so far and are not willing to lift, I would imagine another week will make a big difference with them. I hope!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
spanj Posted August 3, 2012 Report Share Posted August 3, 2012 Ours are now capable of flying but are quite tame, also they don't like to fly any1 got any tips for getting them off the water. 1 or more spaniels Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Keeperchris Posted August 6, 2012 Author Report Share Posted August 6, 2012 Just out of interest which game dealers are you guys using this year? The one I used last year has let me down and am looking for a new taker for our mallard. The pheasants are sorted but need to find a home for the quackers. We start shooting the little beggars in just over a month :o Cheers Chris Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
happychappy246 Posted August 15, 2012 Report Share Posted August 15, 2012 mine are 11 weeks old now got 200 of the little ******* ive never seen reared ducks so wild as soon as drive down to the pond there off into the reeds still trying to debate weather some of them are flying or not though as i seem to have alot of wild ones down there at the minute ! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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