Hillview Exotics

One of the world’s most exotic birds, the Mandarin duck is a blaze of different colors. A Drake’s beautiful plumage comes in red, orange, blue, green, and more discreet shades of buffs and browns. A crest of orange and cream feathers and a pair of orange "wing sails" that rise from the back. The hen is rather dull in contrast, with an overall grey appearance, and greatly resembles a wood duck hen.

The Mandarin is commonly seen in many collections. These birds are very hardy, easy to maintain, do not require a large aviary, and will do well in a mixed collection.

Like the Wood Duck, Mandarins nest in raised boxes. Mandarins are capable of breeding their first year. Fertility is usually better their second year. Spring is the breeding season for Mandarins, usually occurring around April. Clutches range from 8-12 eggs and are incubated for 28 to 30 days. The young are easily raised and are full feathered in about 8 weeks.

Mandarins come in several color mutations, including the White, Apricot, and Black. The White Mandarin is most commonly breed in the US.

The North American Pintail is a common aviary bird. As with most waterfowl species the male is more boldly marked than the female, his colors are tastefully muted shades of brown, gray, black, and white. The female is more drab and over all gray. In eclipse plumage the male closely resembles the female.

The Northern Pintail is easily kept in captivity, they are hardy, and have no special requirements; they also get along well in a mixed collection. Capable of breeding their first year, they readily accept nest boxes, but also like natural cover if available. Their breeding season is in Spring and begins in May. Clutches consist of 6-10 oval shaped, bluish gray eggs. Eggs are incubated for about 24 days. The ducklings of this species are easy to raise, and present no special challenges.

Native to China and breeding in central and eastern Siberia, this bird is easily kept in captivity and one of the most exotic looking members of the teal family. The Baikal drake has a Harlequin head pattern of green and yellow separated by elaborate markings of black and white lines. Gray flanks contrast beautifully with the warm buff colored breast. Across his back is a cascade of plumes in buff and brown. The female looks rather similar to a Greenwing hen, but is slightly darker brown and has a distinct white spot at the base of her bill. These birds will cross with Green-wings and should be kept separate in a mixed aviary.

The Baikal is a calm bird and will get along well with others but are not easily bred. It is best to keep them separate from other species during the breeding season. They prefer natural cover for nesting such as tall grass. The breeding season is in Spring and begins around May. Clutches consist of 6 to 8 eggs and are incubated for about 25 days. The ducklings are easy to rear.

Common in both the wild and in captivity the Blue-winged Teal are fairly easy to breed and maintain in aviaries. They do well in a mixed collection, as long as larger birds do not bully them. Being very similar to the Cinnamon Teal, they will cross with them if not separated.

The breeding season is in Spring around April. These birds can breed their first Spring. First year males do not fully color until late winter. Natural vegetation is preferred; some hens will accept nest boxes. Clutches consist of 6-8 eggs and are incubated for about 24 days. The ducklings require no special care and are easy to rear.

Native to marshes and ponds in western North and South America, the Cinnamon Teal has a cinnamon-red head and body with a brown back, a red eye and a dark bill. The female has a mottled brown body, a pale brown head, brown eyes and a gray bill and very similar in appearance to a female Blue-winged Teal.

Clutches consist of 6-8 eggs and are incubated for about 24 days.

The smallest of the North American dabbling species and fairly easy to maintain and breed in a captive setting and they are very compatible with other waterfowl in a mixed collection. However, make sure larger species do not bully this small teal.

Being ground nesters, some Green-winged teal may accept boxes; however, natural cover is usually preferred. They can breed their first year. The breeding season is in Spring around April. Clutches consist of 6 to 8 eggs and are incubated for about 24 days. The ducklings require no special care and are easy to rear.

The Marbled Duck, or Marbled Teal is one of the family of teal ducks. Native to the Mediterranean region, it is now restricted to a few sites in southern Spain and northwest Africa. In the east it survives in Iran (Shadegan Marshes - the world's most important site), as well as isolated pockets in Turkey, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Iraq and further to the east in western India and western China. Its breeding habitat is lowland, shallow fresh waters.

Adults are a pale sandy-brown colour, diffusely blotched off-white, with a dark eye-patch and shaggy head. Juveniles are similar but with more off-white blotches. In flight, the wings look pale without a marked pattern, and no speculum on the secondaries.

Native to South America, Ringed Teal prefer warm weather, but adapt well to cooler North American climates and is another good beginner duck. Frostbite can be a problem during extreme cold, especially for pinioned birds. Shelter from wind, snow and ice is highly suggested.

The drake remains colorful year round unlike most waterfowl.

These birds can breed their first Spring. They have a long breeding season, with eggs being produced as early as March until as late as July. They require a raised box for nesting. In a mixed collection, be sure there are plenty of nest boxes as larger birds may drive the smaller teal from her nest. Clutches consist of 6-8 eggs and are incubated for about 24 days. If the eggs are removed early in incubation the hen will often lay a second clutch. The hens normally make excellent brooder and are sometimes used as surrogate mothers for the eggs of other more difficult species. The young are grayish blue in color and are easy to raise.

The Fulvous Whistling Duck, also known as the Tree Duck, is the most commonly seen Tree Duck in captivity. They are found warm climates on four continents: North and South America, Africa and Asia. They often form very large groups, sometimes with other whistling duck species where ranges overlap. The sexes are similar, with males being somewhat larger and having a different call than the hens.

The unique whistle of these ducks makes them one of my favorites. They have a rather upright stance. They are an overall brown color, with black barring on the wings and shoulders; the neck has fine streaks of black, buff and white. Long white feathers on the flanks give the appearance of stripes. Their long, narrow bills are dark gray. The legs and huge feet are bluish gray.

They prefer to nest in natural cover and only occasionally will accept a nesting box. Clutches consist of 10-16 eggs and are incubated for about 28 days. The ducklings are easy to rear.

The American Wigeon, commonly misspelled Widgeon, is a dabbling duck native to North America. It is closely related to the Eurasian Wigeon. A migratory bird, it winters in the south in the Gulf Coast.

The breeding male has pinkish flanks and breast back, with a black rear end and a brilliant white speculum, obvious in flight or at rest. It has a greyish head with a green eye patch and a whitish crown stripe. The females are light brown, with plumage much like a female Mallard. They can be distinguished from most ducks, apart from Eurasian Wigeon by shape. In eclipse plumage, the drake looks more like the female.

It is a bird of open wetlands, such as wet grassland or marshes with some taller vegetation, and usually feeds by dabbling for plant food or grazing, which it does very readily. It nests on the ground, near water and under cover. It lays 6-12 creamy white eggs which incubate for about 28 days. The ducklings are easy to rear.

A native of South America, the sexes look similar, with the females being slightly duller in color and males are normally larger. Wigeons are grazers and will love an enclosure with lots of grass. They are a fairly calm species and they get along well with other waterfowl, making them great in mixed collections. They prefer a warm climate, however many are kept in northern collections with little trouble.

Breeding season is in Spring around April. Chiloe’s will often trio and it is common to keep two hens for each drake. Nests are built on the ground but they will readily use nest boxes. Clutches consist of 8-10 eggs that are incubated for about 25 days. The ducklings are easy to rear.

Considered to be North America's most colorful and ornamental duck, are best for beginners. They are extremely hardy, easy to care for, and will get along well with others in a mixed collection.

Wood Ducks are cavity nesters and require a raised box for nesting. I recommend three boxes for every two nesting pairs. Fertility is usually better their second year. Spring is the breeding season usually occurring around April. Clutches range from 10-16 eggs and are incubated for 28 to 30 days.

While most experienced breeders find wood ducklings fairly easy to raise, beginners may find them quite challenging. For the beginner excessive loss of ducklings at about 4-6 days of age is common. Usually it is due to they did not settle down enough to begin eating, did not like the food or the way the food was presented.

Wood ducks have natural mutations in color. These mutations are not usually seen in the wild because they would stand out to predators very well. Mutations include Apricot, White, and the very beautiful Silver.

Runners have a long history going back nearly 2000 years ago. Their high egg production and unique appearance, they are also known as "Indian Runner”, with its slim body and long neck. The head is slender with eyes set high, the bill is straight, and the legs are set far back on their bodies, resulting in the upright carriage characteristic of the breed. There are more color types of Runner ducks than any other breed of duck. Runners come in color varieties.

Runner ducks are prolific layers and can lay well in excess of 200 white, hen-sized eggs per year. The most active forager of all breeds, they will cover a large area in search of snails, slugs, insects, and other edibles. While not capable of sustained flight, Runners can scramble over a two to three foot enclosure for food. Runners make excellent show birds and are entertaining pets, wonderful pest controllers and fine layers. Consider this breed as an addition to your flock.

Developed in England by crossing a Fawn and White Indian Runner with a Rouen to create offspring that would lay well and have bigger bodies, the first Campbell’s resembled Mallards. Further crossing to create a buff duck (a fad at this time), back to Penciled Runner ducks created today’s "Khaki Campbell."

The Campbell duck is a medium sized bird that are active, streamlined birds with a modestly long head, bill, neck, and body, and a sprightly body carriage. There is four color varieties of Campbell ducks. The Khaki drake has a green bill, rich dark orange legs and feet, and dark brown eyes. Its head, upper neck, lower back, and tail culverts are brown-bronze while the rest of the drake's plumage is a warm khaki. The hen has a green bill and dark brown eyes and its legs and feet are brown. The ducks head, upper neck, and lower back are seal-brown and the rest of the plumage is khaki.

Campbell’s their first eggs when 5-7 months old and will average 250-340 eggs of superb texture and flavor per year. Compels are high-strung and energetic, and need plenty of space to graze and forage. Amazingly adaptable, they have taken to nearly all environments. Consider this adaptable, excellent layer for a lovely and useful addition to your flock.

The Mallard is the best-known and most recognizable of all ducks. It is a dabbling duck throughout the North Hemisphere. It is strongly migratory and winters south. The Mallard and the Muscovy Duck are believed to be the ancestors of all domestic ducks.

The male is unmistakable, with a green head, black rear end and a yellowish orange bill tipped with black. The female Mallard is light brown, like most female dabbling ducks. However, both the female and male Mallards have distinct purple speculum edged with white, prominent in flight or at rest. In eclipse plumage the drake becomes drab, looking more like the female, but still distinguishable by its yellow bill and reddish breast.

Mallard’s also come in white, a natural color mutation and also Snowy which look exactly like their call counterparts. The male has a nasal call, the female the "quack" always associated with ducks.

The Muscovy Duck is a large perching duck which is native to Mexico, Central and South America they often roost in trees at night.

Muscovy come in a variety of colors usually with a white head. Many breeders will also have Muscovy that are nearly if not completely one color. Characteristics of this breed include long talons on its feet and a wide flat tail. Their most distinctive features are a bare red face with a pronounced caruncle at the base of the bill and a low erectile crest of feathers. The drake has a dry hissing call, and the hen a quiet trilling coo.

This species does not form stable pairs. The hen lays a clutch of 8-10 white eggs, usually in a tree hole or hollow, which are incubated for 35 days. They are the longest incubation period of all the ducks. The Domestic Muscovy duck is descended from the wild Muscovy Duck.

As Muscovy Ducks lay large clutches and can be encouraged to produce up to three clutches of offspring a year. Muscovy Ducks cannot be crossed with the domestic duck in captivity to produce hybrids. The offspring are known as Mule Duck because they are sterile.

The Barnacle Goose is one of the black geese species, is a medium-sized goose with a white face and black head, all of the neck, and upper breast. Its belly is white. The wings and its back are silver-gray with black-and-white bars that look like they are shining when the light reflects on it. Barnacle Geese are native to the Arctic islands of the North Atlantic. Although from the colder North, they can exist in warmer climates with a bit of shelter from the heat and plenty of water.

Clutches consist of 4 to 5 eggs and are incubated for about 24 days.

The American Buff goose was developed in North America and is descended from the wild Graylag goose. The American Buff is a lovely apricot-fawn color. The buff colored feathers on its back and sides are edged with creamy white..... Its abdomen is nearly white. Its bill and feet are orange to reddish orange, and the hard "nail" at the tip of the bill is a pale pink and has brown eyes.

The breed is the largest of the medium weight class of geese. It has a medium-long neck with deeply furrowed feathers. It has a chunky body with little or no evidence of a keel, a slightly arched back, and two rounded fatty lobes on the abdomen. The tail is held in line with or only slightly above the line of the back. This sturdy body is set on moderately sized legs that are set suitably far apart to provide a stable base.

The American Buff goose is calm and docile. They are good parents, attending well to their goslings. These attributes make it well suited for the average home flock. Its colored plumage does not soil as readily as that of white birds.

Hens can lay up to 160 eggs per year, eggs are incubated for about 28 days.

Chinese geese are considered to be the most graceful and beautiful member of the goose family. Sometimes referred to as "Swan Geese" they descend from the wild swan goose native to Asia.

Producing nearly twice as many goslings as other geese, laying 40 - 100 white eggs annually. Alert and vocal, they will raise the alarm if a threat is perceived. By far the most popular breed for weeding chores due to their active foraging habits, moderate size, unmatched agility, good availability and reasonable prices when properly managed.

Its bill is relatively long and slender, with a large, rounded, erect knob that attaches to its forehead. The Chinese holds its head high and flows seamlessly into a long, slim, well-arched neck. Its body is short, compact, has a prominent and well-rounded chest, smooth breast and no keel. Its abdomen is moderately full but has no fatty lobes, except during the laying season when the female may develop a single lobe. Heavier than it appears, because its feathers are closely fitted, it is a hardy breed. Their knobs will freeze when temperatures fall below -20 degrees F. It is important to provide the flock some protection during freezing weather.

There are two color varieties of Chinese geese, brown and white. The original variety is a rich brown and fawn, accented by a dark, russet-brown neck stripe. In mature birds, the glossy black bill and knob are separated from the main head plumage by a narrow band of creamy-white feathers. The shanks and feet are brownish orange or dark orange and the eyes brown. The white variety has blue eyes, pure white plumage, and bright orange feet, knobs and bills. For those looking for "watchdogs" Chinese are an excellent choice for the home flock.

Hens can lay up to 160 eggs per year, eggs are incubated for about 28 days.

The Cackling Goose looks like a small Canadian Goose. Easily identifiable by the black head and neck with white "chinstrap". This species is native to North America. It breeds in northern Canada and Alaska in a variety of tundra habitats. However, the nest is usually located in an elevated area near water. The eggs are laid in a shallow depression lined with plant material and down. Males can be very aggressive in defending territory. A pair may mate for life (up to around 20 years). The female looks virtually identical but is slightly lighter and has a different voice. Adult geese are often seen leading their goslings in a line with one parent at the front, and the other at the back of the "parade".

These birds feed mainly on plant material. When feeding in water, they submerge their heads and necks to reach aquatic plants, sometimes tipping forward like a dabbling duck. Flocks of these birds often feed on leftover cultivated grains in fields, especially during migration or in winter. They also eat some insects, molluscs and crustaceans.

The Dewlap Toulouse is a huge moderate egg-layer averaging 20-35 eggs yearly.... Some specimens tip the scales at thirty pounds or more. They often appear heavier than they actually are.

Every feature of this placid giant is massive. The bill is stout, the head large and broad, and the moderately long neck is thick and nearly straight. Often suspended from the lower bill and upper neck is a heavy, folded dewlap that increases in size and fullness with age. The body is long, broad and deep, ending in a well-spread tail that points up slightly. They have a rounded breast, and often exhibit a wide keel.

Even when not confined, these massive birds do not wander far from their food and water. Additional calcium provided to support development of their large frame.

During the breeding season it is extremely important that producing birds are not overweight, but they do need an adequate supply of concentrated feed that is 18 to 22 percent crude protein. Fertility is highest when birds get sufficient exercise, access to succulent green feeds, and water for swimming. Hens can lay upto 160 eggs per year, eggs are incubated for about 28 days.

The Egyptian Goose is actually related to the Shelduck. Native to Africa except in deserts and dense forests. They are found mostly in the Nile Valley and south of the Sahara. They perch readily on trees and buildings. It swims well, and in flight looks heavy, more like a goose than a duck, hence the English name.

Egyptian Geese usually pair for life. The sexes of this striking species are identical in plumage, though the males average slightly larger. There is a fair amount of variation in plumage tone, with some birds greyer and others browner. They also have a color mutation of White. Egyptian geese typically eat seeds, leaves, grasses, and plant stems. Occasionally, they will eat locusts, worms, or other small animals. Egyptian geese were considered sacred by the ancient Egyptians, and appeared in much of their artwork. Extremely territorial during mating season, care must be taken to keep them separate from other birds as they will destroy the eggs of other birds.

Hens lay 8 to 9 eggs and incubate for about 29 days.

The Sebastopol goose originated in southeastern Europe to the region around the Black Sea and named after Sebastopol, a Russian city from which they were imported. It was developed from the wild Graylag goose that is native to Europe.

Readily identified by their feathers, the feathers are long, soft-quilled, curling and draping elegantly from the wings, body and tail. This goose is an excellent example of breeding for a specific trait. The white variety of the Sebastopol is best known. The pure white feathers contrast with their bright blue eyes, orange bills and feet. There are also gray and buff color varieties.

Medium-sized geese, they have large, rounded heads, prominent eyes, slightly arched necks, keelless breasts and dual lobes. The plumage of the head and upper two-thirds of the neck is normal, while that of the breast and underbody is elongated and well curled. The soft, fluffy feathers of the back, wings and tail have flexible shafts, are attractively spiraled. The curled feathers prevent flight. Sebastopol’s produce 25-35 eggs annually. When handled carefully, they have a quiet and pleasant nature.

Clean water for swimming should be made available. They are hardy and raised successfully in cold climates however their loose fitting feathers do not provide as much warmth, nor shed water as well.

Hens can lay up to 160 eggs per year, eggs are incubated for about 28 days.

The name Toulouse is used for several types of gray geese descended from the European Graylag. The Standard Dewlap Toulouse is a massively boned bird, bred for ability to gain weight rapidly.

Toulouse are large moderate egg-laying averaging 25-40 eggs per year. Suitable for the home or small farm flock, their popularity comes from their availability, general practicality, and to some, aesthetic quality. Production Toulouse are the best layers among the heavyweight breeds.

Toulouse have large, oval heads; moderately long, heavy necks; and thick, wide bodies. Like all breeds descended from the wild Graylag, the feathers on the sides of the neck are deeply furrowed. Gray is their primary color...... Their abdomen is off-white. Lighter markings traverse the dark sides and back giving an attractive laced effect. They have an orange bill and reddish orange legs. Their dark feathers provide good camouflage.

Hens can lay up to 160 eggs per year, eggs are incubated for about 28 days.

Native to Europe, Mute Swan’s are one of the worlds largest and heaviest flying birds. Mated pairs can be very aggressive during breeding season which starts in late February. During this time they will act aggressively toward any perceived threat. The threat display consists of raising the secondary feathers of the wing to make the bird look as large and menacing as possible. If your intention is have them for ornamental purposes only, we recommend you purchase a pair of the same sex, two males or two females. This will eliminate the aggressive behavior. Swans are known to be aggressive to other larger waterfowl but often do not mind smaller waterfowl such as ducks. They have been known to attack smaller species that are white in color during the breeding season.

Outside the breeding season these birds are very docile and even semi-tame. They are normally kept on open water as they do not fear most predators that prey on smaller waterfowl species. Only one pair of these birds can be kept per pond, unless they are on a very large body of water. They are also not compatible with other swan species, and if kept in close proximity to other swans they should not be able to see or hear them.

Males and females look alike, with males being larger and having a more pronounced knob at the base of the bill. Pairs normally bond for life, but will except a new mate, if theirs is lost. Breeding may occur their second Spring, but most pairs do not mate until they are three or four years of age. Nests are usually very large some measuring as much as 8 ft across. Clutches consist of 4-8 very large greenish blue eggs. The females called "Pens" normally are good brooders and will incubate and hatch their own eggs. The males called "Cobs” will take the females place on the nest when she is absent. The eggs incubate for about 36 days. Both parents help rear the young, called "Cygnets". One endearing trait of this species is their tendency to let their young ride on their backs. If the Cygnets are taken from the parents, they are raised in much the same way as Goslings would be. Cygnets grow quickly, and should not be fed feed that is too high in protein; they also need access to swimming water, and plenty of greens for them to develop properly. Angel wing and bowed legs can be a result of improper feeding and not enough exercise.