Mandarin Duck

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Breed: Mandarin Duck
Temperament: placid
Cost: $750 a pair
Lifespan: 12 years+
Maintenance: High
Recommended for: Enthusiasts

One of the world’s most attractive duck species is also one of the oldest. For hundreds of years Mandarin Ducks have been found in the forests of Asia and, in the West, they have been kept and bred for more than 200 years.

Appearance

The drake is by far the more spectacular bird with a swept back erectile crest on top of its head. The drake’s forehead is greenish black and the crest area is purple with a white splash on the side of the head.The breast is maroon with a base colour of chestnut. Slightly curled wing feathers, known as ‘sails’, sit up along the back and are coloured bright orange. The hen is grey with a small crest.

They are small birds, weighing only 500g which is just about the size of a homing pigeon. Mandarin ducks also have sharp claws on their webbed feet which means they can perch and nest high up in trees in their native state. Captive Mandarin ducks are usually fenced and their wings pinioned (the tip of the wing removed) to prevent them from flying.

Temperament

Variable, and probably depends on the amount of handling the duck receives.

Health and feeding

Feed Mandarin ducks incorrectly and they will not raise any babies. Most people who own Mandarin ducks rarely produce any ducklings, blaming it on past in-breeding. This is nonsense. The birds fail to breed because they have fatty deposits around their testicles or ovaries caused by poor diet. If Mandarin ducks can find budgie seed or parrot seed, they gorge themselves on it and become quite unhealthy.

Correct feeding entails dividing the year into two bits: the lean non-breeding period and the breeding period. During the lean non-breeding period (mainly in winter) the birds should be fed meagre rations of wheat, corn, sorghum and natural grassy forage.

During the breeding season, from early Spring, feed chicken grower crumbles and supplement the feeding with insects and natural forage.

This general principle of a "Rising Plane of Nutrition" stimulates successful breeding in dogs, cats, horses, cattle, humans and many other species. Clean drinking water is essential.

Breeding

Mandarin ducks demand very specific breeding sites preferring to nest near water and, ideally, with the nest box accessed from the water, ie: facing a pond or lake, and raised on a platform a metre or more above ground level, reached by a ramp. In the wild the ducks may nest 20m up trees. Females are considered good mothers if permitted to raise their own babies.

It’s also important that the ducks aren’t too fat leading up to breeding season, as they will not breed if carrying too much weight. A simple diet of grower pellets (available from stock supplies and pet shops) is all they need prior to and during the breeding season.

Space and housing

A secure enclosure is essential to keep the Mandarin ducks in and keep out potential predators such as foxes, hawks, crows, and domestic cats and dogs. Pairs usually are allowed a 2m x 2m pen, preferably with a small pond. True enthusiasts will often lands

cape the enclosures with reeds, grasses and plants to create a natural setting. You may also need an exotic bird licence to keep Mandarin ducks so check with your local wildlife authority before buying any birds. Also check local council regulations.

Further information

Pheasant and Waterfowl Society of Australia,
Queensland branch,
Exchange steward, Ken Johnstone
Phone: (07) 5541 1498 Victorian branch
Denis and Paulene Cook
Phone: (03) 5163 1433

Recommended reading

A Guide to Pheasants and Waterfowl by Dr Danny Brown, RRP: $44.95 plus $7 handling within Australia, from Australian Birdkeeper Publications phone: (07) 5590 7777.