Mandarin breeding season

[Gamebird7]

Hi all.

I was wondering if anyone could tell me what time of year mandarins usually start breeding. Thanks,

Chad

[Patrick]

USUALLY, spring. Possibly, any time it's not freezing cold.

[Gamebird7]

Thanks for the information Patrick.

[Evy]

Mine start laying in early April...often when it is freezing. I have to swap out eggs or be sure they're well covered. They'll lay a 2nd clutch if the eggs are hatched in the incubator or the ducklings are taken.

[Angela]

They only lay one clutch? I did not know that. For some reason, I assumed that they laid like my domestics...all through the season.

They are so beautiful, I have always wanted to raise them....but ducks here, are coyote fodder.

[Evy]

They only lay one clutch? I did not know that. For some reason, I assumed that they laid like my domestics...all through the season.

They are so beautiful, I have always wanted to raise them....but ducks here, are coyote fodder.

No, they'll lay again. When I wanted a whole bunch, I'd let her set for 25 days, then take the eggs & hatch them in the incubator. She'd lay another clutch in a couple weeks...avg. 12-14 eggs per clutch. Once he starts to molt in mid to late June, they're done.
I love them, too.

[judyc]

Evy,

Do you keep your Mandarins in an aviary?