Mandarin Ducks
(Aix Galericulata)
Common Names: Mandarin Ducks, Mandys
Description: Mandarin drakes in nuptial plumage are considered an extremely ornamental species. They have a glossy green forehead, green-bronze crest feathers, a bronze colored face with white streaks above the eye, a bright red bill and an iridescent maroon colored breast. The wings are brown with chesnut colored feathers that resemble small sails when swimming. To describe the beauty of a male in good feather is next to impossible. Males when not in breeding plumage retain dull grey feathers much like the hens but will have a bright red beak. In the photo the male is on the left and hen on the right.
Size: This ornamental duck averages 18 inches (45cm).
Origin: Mandarins are northeastern Asian ducks native to China and Japan.
Sexing Mandarins: These species is best sexed at about 6-12 months old when the males begin to asume adult plumage. The beak on the male turns bright red even when not in breeding plumage but the beak on hens remains dull grey. Males also tend to have brighter yellow-orange coloration of the legs then hens. It can be hard to sex very young duckings as venting at this age can be inaccurate.
Mutations/Sub-species: Mandarin Ducks to date are available in Normal (wild type), Apricot and White mutations.
Mandarin Duck Genetics Chart
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Mutation
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Genetic Inheritance
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Dominant
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Autosomal Recessive
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Autosomal Recessive
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Related Species
Wood Duck (Aix Sponsa)- One of the most common waterfowl species breeding
in the United States
Diet: Most Mandarin owners feed their ducks a pellet gamebird or duck grower with added wheat and oats. Be sure the pellet feed you give the ducks is Non-Medicated! During the breeding season gamebird or waterfowl breeding pellets are given. Egg shells can also be given during the breeding season. Greens and grasses are also an enjoyed treat.
General Care: Despite the exotic apperance Mandys are hardy and easily maintained. They do require clean drinking and swimming water so frequent water changes are a must.
Compatibility: Though fairly social this species may attack smaller birds.
Housing: Mandarin ducks should be housed in pens at least 6 feet in height with access to enough water to swim and bathe in. Some people house them in wire flights above ground. We prefer to allow them to have access to the ground as it seems to stimulate breeding behaviors. We cover the bottom of the duck pen with pea gravel for a good drainage effect. It is wise to use wire no larger than 1/2 inch by 1/2 inch to prevent predators from entering the pen. Be sure the ducks have coverage from the wind, rain, and snow during the cold months of winter. As most of our breeders are full winged our pen has a covered top.
Song: Mandys are quiet ducks with a soft and non irritant call.
Breeding: This species is a cavity nester so nest boxes must be provided in order for them to breed. We use nestboxes 10-12 inches deep and 24 inches in height. The entrance hole is 4 inches in diameter. We use hardware cloth as a ladder on the inside front wall of the box to help duckings get out of the box easier. Wood shavings are placed in the bottom of the box to cradel the eggs and help prevent them from breaking. Since our ducks are full flighted their boxes are elevated inside the pen and ramps are placed from the ground level to just below the entrance hole. The average clutch size is 8-12 eggs which are incubated 28-30 days. The chicks are covered with olive-brown down with yellow underparts. They leave the nest the same day as hatching following the mother ducks. They climb very well and can use their claws to climb back up to the entrance of the nest box. At 40-45 days old the young can fly and become independent. They mature at 1 yr old and can live for 12 yrs.
Price List: Mandarins sold as Juveniles are UNSEXED and in JUVENILE plumage.
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Mutation
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Price Each (Juvenile)
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Price Per Pair
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$30.00 Each
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$80.00 Pair
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Normal / White Mandarin
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$45.00 Each
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$110.00 Pair
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$90.00 Each
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$200.00 Pair
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