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Help! Got New Ducks but the Drakes Only Want One
I did think of just separating the drakes. I had 3 girls and 2 boys for a long time with no issues, but one of the girls disappeared one day when I ran inside for two seconds, and after that, everything got a little wild. One of the old hens is kind of dominant and the boys barely touch her... -
Help! Got New Ducks but the Drakes Only Want One
I was down to two drakes and two hens, so in November, I ordered four new girls. In February, I moved the four new girls into the pen with the old ducks (in a large dog pen) so they could look and not touch. After a week or two, I started allowing them 1-2 hours of free time together every day... -
Welsh Harlequin Sex?
Both are girls. Kind of hard to tell here, but the one I wasn’t sure about is almost white with a few black specks and still has the light yellowish bill. (She’s the second one from the right.) but I still love her 🤣 -
Too soon to merge the new girls with the boys?
I ended up leaving them in the pen for a few hours together and they were mostly fine (still a few squabbles), but one of the new girls is limping a little, so I just put them back in the dog kennel for the night so she can rest. I don’t think it’s from the drakes - I think she may have just... -
Too soon to merge the new girls with the boys?
Well, right now my drakes are scared and intimidated by them. I may try it today since I’m gonna be working outside a lot and monitor before nighttime. -
Too soon to merge the new girls with the boys?
Great, thanks. Someone told me they should be laying when I do that, so I just wanted to double check. We’ll see how it goes today! -
Too soon to merge the new girls with the boys?
I wrote in a few weeks ago about merging my old three year flock (2 drakes, 2 hens) with my four new girls. The new girls are about 4 1/2 months. For the last three weeks, the new girls have been living in a large dog kennel inside my big pen and they all get about two hours of free range... -
How long does it take to combine two flocks?
Thanks! That’s one reason I’m just now bringing the new girls outside (that and cold weather - the sectioned off part is not as protected from wind as the other part). They are about four months old, so I definitely wouldn’t leave them alone with the boys for a few more weeks. -
How long does it take to combine two flocks?
Thanks for your insight! This gives me a lot to work with. I actually had a pair who lived in the house for a year, and I was able to successfully introduce them back into the main flock last summer, but it definitely took some time. I’ve just never done it with this many. 😅 -
How long does it take to combine two flocks?
As of this fall, I was down to four ducks who are 3 1/2 (two drakes and two hens). They all get along okay, but I was worried about over-mating (one of the hens has some health issues already so I was especially worried about her). So, I went ahead and ordered four new female ducklings in... -
Draining Fluid Question
Just to update, she's doing fine, so I definitely thing I just hit a vein or something. -
Draining Fluid Question
Thanks. I will definitely do that next time. She seems okay and didn't bleed anymore in the pen, so, I bet you are right. -
Draining Fluid Question
I have a duck who I have to drain fluid from every few months. She's 3 1/2 years old and lives a happy life, but I can tell when it's time to drain because she slows down a bit and can't keep up with the others. I don't think it's technically ascites — the fluid is dark brown. But I've been... -
Welsh Harlequin Sex?
That works for me. I just got them round out my flock a bit and keep my two drakes from fighting so much. I did notice the one with the darker bill has slightly darker feet. -
Welsh Harlequin Sex?
The do make two different noises - one peeps and one squeaks - but based on my history with ducklings, neither is indication of a male/female difference. I guess we’ll see 😅 -
Welsh Harlequin Sex?
I’ve got two Welsh Harlequin ducklings (around 3 weeks old) and I noticed today that their bills are different colors. Both are supposed to be female…does this mean one is not? Or is it too soon to tell? One is pale (and she’s actually a bigger duck). One is grey-ish (and she’s smaller but her... -
Devastated after dog attack
I don’t really have a question or anything - I’ve just need to vent to someone who may understand. I’ve had chickens for nine years, and I’ve lost many to predators but I’ve never had anything like this happen. My flock of 11 hens get free time every evening with supervision. Sometimes my dad...- SeaSea47
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- Replies: 34
- Forum: Predators and Pests
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Is the brooder plate enough this time of year?
You were totally right. They’re only five days old and already sleeping on top of it or beside it, rarely under it. I think I’m gonna lift it up a little bit tomorrow. -
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Is the brooder plate enough this time of year?
I just got four newborn ducklings and I’ve never raised them this time of year (always in summer) - is the brooder plate enough or should I pump some extra heat into the bathroom where they are staying? Where I live, we have highs in the 70s and lows in the 50s for the next couple of weeks...