That Bird Blog – Bird Care and History for Pet Birds

Ducks are certainly not the easiest of birds to establish in one’s collection.  However, some species are, in my opinion, so flamboyantly-colored and interesting that the effort involved in their care is easily over-looked.  Consider, for example, East Asia’s Mandarin Duck (Aix graiculata) or the Wood Duck (Aix sponosa) of Canada and the USA.  Small, hardy, and readily available, they are among the most beautiful of the world’s waterfowl.  Please see Part 1 of this article for information on their natural histories and long associations with people. Read More »

Aviculturists desiring to keep ducks are fortunate in that two of the world’s most brilliantly-colored species, the Mandarin Duck (Aix graiculata) and the Wood Duck (Aix sponsa), are small, hardy and have long been bred in captivity.  Despite occupying opposite ends of the globe, their natural histories and captive care are very similar.  While the decision to keep aquatic birds should not be made lightly, either of these little beauties makes an excellent “first duck” for those with the means to provide for them. Read More »