Alternative Names (Synonyms)

Names for newly-hatched

Names for non-breeding males or other colour-phases

References

Species Author

Major References

Aviculture references:
J23.13.w7
B7, B29, B30, B31, B40, B94, B95, B97, B128.w1, B128.w2, B139
D1, D8

Other References

TAXA Group (where information has been collated for an entire group on a modular basis)

Parent Group

• Waterfowl
• Shelducks

Specific Needs Group referenced in Management Techniques

• Grazing Waterfowl (D1)
• Aggressive Birds (Category 1.) (D1)

Aviculture Information

Notes

• Shelducks are generally hardy. Their pen should contain short grass for grazing, and they appreciate a degree of cover. Minimum enclosure size suggested for a pair of shelduck is 100 square metres.
• They tend to be aggressive particularly in the breeding season, and may even kill small ducks, and a separate enclosure is usually required. There is some species-based and individual variation in degree of aggression.
• Most species prefer to use a partially-buried nest box with a tunnel entrance, usually in the form of a drain pipe. A suggested nest box size is 12x12x14 inches (30x30x40cm), with a six inch (15cm) diameter entrance tunnel drain pipe, or 6x6 inches (15x15cm) square entrance tunnel, minimum 12 inches (30cm) long. Ground-level nest boxes with a six-inch (15cm) diameter entrance hole may also be used.

(B29, B40, B94, B128.w1,D1)

Species-specific information:

• Reasonably hardy, but shelter should be available in winter. Enclosure should contain grass for grazing; generally peaceable and may be kept in mixed collections with e.g. Anser spp. and large ducks; some individuals are seasonally aggressive and may require a separate enclosure. In general younger birds (less than three years old) may be less aggressive than older birds. In addition to grass, feeding with e.g. wheat and pellets suggested, also earthworms, insects and extra green food for breeding, with duckweed particularly for ducklings.
• Not always easy to breed. Good fertility and hatchability in Australia. Ground-buried nest boxes, and buried or vegetation-hidden hollow logs and drainpipes should be provided for breeding, unless hollow trees or rabbit burrows are available. Laying may begin in February (northern hemisphere) (B29), usually lay March to May (B29) (June to September in captivity in Australia B139). Duckweed and rearing diet, plus small grains later, are useful for rearing ducklings. Artificial, broody and parent incubation and rearing may be used successfully. Care should be taken to avoid imprinting, which may lead to males aggressive to humans and females attracted to people.
• Hybrids reported with Tadorna tadorna - Common shelduck, Tadorna ferruginea - Ruddy shelduck, Tadorna cana - South African shelduck, Tadorna variegata - Paradise shelduck, Chloephaga poliocephala - Ashy-headed goose Anser indicus - Bar-headed goose and domestic duck (B31, B139).

(J23.13.w7, B29, B29, B40, B94, B95, B97, B128.w2, B139, D1).

Aviornis UK Ringing Scheme recommended average closed ring size: R 16.0mm (D8).

Management Techniques

Measurement & Weight

Head

Legs

Plumage

Newly-hatched Characteristics

Nest placement and structure

Egg clutches

Incubation

Hatching

Fledging

Sexual Maturity

Feeding Behaviour

Parental Behaviour

Left by parents usually after fledging, sometimes earlier.

Social Behaviour

Sexual Behaviour

Predation in Wild

Activity Patterns

Adults

Newly-hatched

Distribution and Movement (Migration etc.)

South-west and south-east Australia, Tasmania. Winters north to south Queensland.

Non-migratory but moves to key waters for the moulting season and also moves depending on water availability.

Occasionally to northern Australia and New Zealand.

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Habitat

Intraspecific variation

Conservation Status

Widespread and numerous (B1).

Captive Populations

Trade