The time required to do this is referred to as the synodic period of revolution, as opposed to the sidereal period of revolution, which is the time required for a planet to move once around the Sun relative to the stars and is equal to the orbital period.
Mandarin ducks demand very specific breeding sites preferring to nest near water and, ideally, with the nest box accessed from the water, ie: facing a pond or lake, and raised on a platform a metre or more above ground level, reached by a ramp. secure enclosure is essential to keep the Mandarin ducks in and keep out potential predators such as foxes, hawks, crows, and domestic cats and dogs. Pairs usually are allowed a 2m x 2m pen, preferably with a small pond.
Most eggs are laid in late April. A normal clutch is 9 to 12 eggs, but Mandarin ducks are prone to egg-dumping, where females lay their eggs in other femalesâ nests, leading sometimes to enormous clutches of as many as 40 eggs. In one study in Berkshire, at least 56% of clutches were parasitised, and probably many more.ost eggs are laid in late April. A normal clutch is 9 to 12 eggs, but Mandarin ducks are prone to egg-dumping, where females lay their eggs in other femalesâ nests, leading sometimes to enormous clutches of as many as 40 eggs. In one study in Berkshire, at least 56% of clutches were parasitised, and probably many more.