Mallards are the primary game-farm duck, raised for shooting preserves, release programs, and meat. As waterfowl they differ from the gallinaceous birds above: different feed, different water needs, and a longer incubation.
The two things that trip up new mallard producers are wet brooding conditions (ducklings make a mess of water) and niacin — waterfowl need more of it than chicken feeds provide.
Housing & space
Brood ducklings in a warm, dry, well-drained area with easy-to-clean flooring, then grow them out with access to water. Preserve mallards are flight-conditioned in large flight pens so they fly strong at release.
- Ducklings foul water fast — use waterers they can dip their heads into but not swim in, and keep bedding dry.
- Provide swimming/preening water as they grow, but manage the mud.
- Flight pens must be tall and long enough to build genuine flight strength.
Brooding
Ducklings brood cooler than chicks — start around 90–92°F and reduce ~5°F/week. They feather and grow fast. Keep the brooder scrupulously dry despite their love of splashing.
Feed & nutrition
Feed a waterfowl or game-bird starter around 20–22% protein. Critically, waterfowl need adequate niacin — deficiency causes leg problems. Avoid medicated chicken starters not cleared for ducks, since ducks can be sensitive to some coccidiostats.
- Never feed medicated feed unless it is labeled safe for waterfowl.
- Supplement niacin if using a ration formulated for chickens.
Health & biosecurity
Mallards are hardy but, as waterfowl, are a key species for avian influenza surveillance — biosecurity is both a farm and an industry responsibility. Keep water clean and separate wild waterfowl from your flock as much as possible.
- Minimize contact with wild ducks and shared water sources.
- Follow state and federal AI monitoring and reporting requirements.
Breeding & incubation
Mallard eggs incubate about 26–28 days — longer than any gallinaceous bird here — at roughly 99.5°F with higher humidity, and benefit from egg cooling/misting mid-incubation. A common breeding ratio is one drake to three or four hens.