3 more ducklings on their way. I want to do this right!

[HeatherMo]

Ordered on Metzer. They will arrive in a couple weeks. I have two 7 week old Rouens currently. They are immature but fat! It’s summertime and it’s hot. I’m wondering what is the best timeline for integrating them. Probably first keep them in a brooder in the garage then I’ll keep them in a dog kennel inside the run but when would you do that? When would you give them free range to the run with the Rouens? I don’t think I handled my Rouens enough, when I come around they hide. I’m hoping the new girls will be less skittish and I plan to handle them more often and I’m sorta concerned the Rouens might be a bad influence, as in “hey you, new kids, see that lady? When she comes around you scream your head off and run for the hills!” I’m also wondering if I need to be concerned about too much initial handling as well. I want them to know they are ducks and eventually socialize with my Rouens, I don’t want them to think they are human and feel upset if I’m not around. But maybe I don’t need to worry about that since they will be with their fellow ducklings 24/7? My Rouens were my first ducks. Anyone who has been in a similar situation care to share tips?

 

[Brahmachicken240]

Most Ducks and drakes have an instinct to kill any strange young they encounter, so it’s best integrate them to the other two when they’re fully feathered (around 7-9 weeks).
That way they have the protection from their feathers and they should be big enough to get away from the aggressive adults.
In my experience the older ducks tend to be more aggressive with the younger ones till they are fully feathered and their voices have changed. It usually takes a day or two for them to get used to each other.

Good luck with your new ducklings!

 

[CLovesDucks]

Ordered on Metzer. They will arrive in a couple weeks. I have two 7 week old Rouens currently. They are immature but fat! It’s summertime and it’s hot. I’m wondering what is the best timeline for integrating them. Probably first keep them in a brooder in the garage then I’ll keep them in a dog kennel inside the run but when would you do that? When would you give them free range to the run with the Rouens? I don’t think I handled my Rouens enough, when I come around they hide. I’m hoping the new girls will be less skittish and I plan to handle them more often and I’m sorta concerned the Rouens might be a bad influence, as in “hey you, new kids, see that lady? When she comes around you scream your head off and run for the hills!” I’m also wondering if I need to be concerned about too much initial handling as well. I want them to know they are ducks and eventually socialize with my Rouens, I don’t want them to think they are human and feel upset if I’m not around. But maybe I don’t need to worry about that since they will be with their fellow ducklings 24/7? My Rouens were my first ducks. Anyone who has been in a similar situation care to share tips?

We put a pen inside our coop when the little ones were big enough to go outside so they could all see each other. Our drake did not appreciate their presence for a week or two, but now they all get along well! Best of luck with your new ducklings!