#Mandrake duck free#

Like all the species of ducks I have mentioned in these pages, they do require a source of clean, fresh water, but a large pond is not required. I find that they love to roost up high, so I provide plenty of branches and logs above the ground inside the aviary.

#Mandrake duck free#

They are very quick and agile fliers, and if are to be kept free range, need to be wing clipped or pinioned. If you do mix other species, please make sure the aviary is large enough for each pair to have their own breeding territory.

Mandarins do not require a very large aviary and do well in mixed collections of waterfowl and also with other species such as doves and pheasants. They are very hardy, beautiful and easy to care for, making them an excellent choice for the beginner. Mandarins are often the 'first duck' a waterfowl breeder has. They are able to breed the first year, but fertility is best during the second year. The ducklings grow quickly and are able to fly at 8 weeks. The hens are good mothers and will riase her own young if you allow her to. The breeding season begins in late April when the hen begins to lay her clutch of 8 to 12 eggs that are incubated for about 28 days. Like the wood duck, Mandarins require nesting boxes to nest in. She is grayer and has a smaller crest and eye ring. The hen greatly resembles a wood duck hen. The most unique features are the wing sails, which are bright orange feathers that stand straight up off his inner wings.

The sides and flanks are brown, finely penciled with black. The sides of the neck and the cheeks have elongated chestnut feathers that form a mane the upper breast is maroon, while the lower breast and belly are white. The forehead is glossy greenish-black that turns to purple as it slopes to a crest at the back of the head the sides of the head are white with chestnut in front of the eyes. The drake is one of world's most beautiful ducks and quite unlike any other species. In ancient literature, the Mandarin was known as a symbol of marital fidelity, due in large part to their strong pair bonds. Mandarins have been the subject of art, poetry and other forms of Oriental literature for many centuries. They have also been introduced to England where they have established themselves quite well. In the wild, Mandarins can be found in China, Korea, Japan and eastern Siberia. Despite the close relationship, there have been no proven reports of hybridization. They are closely related to the North American Wood Duck ( Aix sponsa) and both species are the only members of the genus Aix. For these reasons the species is evaluated as Least Concern (IUCN).Ĭonsidered by most as the most ornamental of the world's ducks, the Mandarin Duck is a very popular aviary bird and commonly seen in many collections. The population size is very large, and hence does not approach the thresholds for Vulnerable under the population size criterion (10% in ten years or three generations, or with a specified population structure). This species has an extremely large range, and hence does not approach the thresholds for Vulnerable under the range size criterion (Extent of Occurrence 30% decline over ten years or three generations). Mandarin duck Aix galericulata Mandarijneend / Mandarinente / Canard Mandarin