Mandarin Duck Pairs

Mandarin Duck Pairs

Mandarin Ducks are an unmistakable breed native to eastern Asia. The Mandarin drake rivals the North American native Wood Duck in its striking beauty and brilliantly colored plumage. Besides aesthetic beauty Mandarin Ducks share many other similarities to the Wood Duck; Mandarins prefer to nest off the ground in tree cavities or in man made duck houses and enjoy wetland environments.

Mandarin Ducks also exhibit an "Eclipse Plumage" during non-breeding months where they resemble the less flamboyant female Mandarin, but they can be differentiated by their red beaks. A few striking trademarks of the Mandarin Duck during it's breeding plumage are the rich brown colored "sails" on the birds backside and the brown "whiskers" with cream colored streaks growing from the birds chin and cheek.

Mandarin Ducks are a medium sized bird that fly easily and should be pinioned or kept in a covered aviary if to be kept captivated. Mandarins are easy to care for, eating nuts, acorns, and seeds during the fall months and feeding on insects and grubs during the spring and summer seasons. They do not typically associate with other ducks, but do enjoy the company of their own breed during the winter months.

The Mandarin Duck is an excellent duck to help stock a game farm or as a pet to enjoy for it's wonderful plumage. It is important to note that these Mandarin Ducks will be delivered as juveniles or almost full grown. This is a domesticated breed, but it is recommended to only purchase a Mandarin if you have either an adequate environment to house the birds or spacious land for them to nest and roam.

We sell these birds as Juvenile Mandarin Duck Pairs. You can expect them to start laying eggs this season.

Mandarin Ducks nest up to 30 meters above ground in trees. When their hatchlings are days old the mothers fly down and coax the young down out of the nest where the ducklings can fall to the ground uninjured. Though they are evolved to handle this sort of fall, the young are exposed to many predators and many do not survive longer than two weeks.

Mandarin Ducks are frequently used in oriental art and have been used by the Chinese for centuries to symbolize affection and fidelity. The Mandarin is also used as a symbol in many Chinese weddings signifying bliss. One reason this is used is because the drake usually returns to the same hen each year for mating and shares in the scouting and protection of the young, unlike many other duck breeds.