6 week duckling introduction

[Duck Gal]

When should I start letting him stay the night with the other 3 ducks? I know to keep them separated for a bit, but when should I start this & when is he ok to go with them during the day? They free range & go up at night.

 

[sourland]

If there is an adult drake in the mix, I would wait until he is much larger.

 

[ajohn151]

If possible set up a small fenced area where the little one can be around the big ducks but still safe from bullying. This has worked well for me. I then put up a plastic fence in the coop to section off an area when they are ready to spend the night in the coop. That way everyone can get use to the new normal but not get beat up. After about a week of sleeping in the divided coop I removed the divider and all has been well. I'm almost ready to put up another divider in the coop for my Ancona babies. I'm happy and sad at the same time. Happy that brooding is coming to an end and sad because brooding is coming to an end. Good luck keep us updated.

 

[Duck Gal]

I have 3 drakes- 2 are a year old & 1 is 3 years old. I keep the baby inside & have a separate place fir him during the day outside. What age do you think I should start putting him in the pin at night? The pin during the day is by the house, the big ducks stay out at the pond & creek.

 

[Duck Gal]

If there is an adult drake in the mix, I would wait until he is much larger.

I have 3 adult drakes - 2 bully the other, that is why I got a 4th - so the other would have a friend

 

[Duck Gal]

If possible set up a small fenced area where the little one can be around the big ducks but still safe from bullying. This has worked well for me. I then put up a plastic fence in the coop to section off an area when they are ready to spend the night in the coop. That way everyone can get use to the new normal but not get beat up. After about a week of sleeping in the divided coop I removed the divider and all has been well. I'm almost ready to put up another divider in the coop for my Ancona babies. I'm happy and sad at the same time. Happy that brooding is coming to an end and sad because brooding is coming to an end. Good luck keep us updated.

I have 3 drakes- 2 are a year old & 1 is 3 years old. I keep the baby inside & have a separate place fir him during the day outside. What age do you think I should start putting him in the pin at night? The pin during the day is by the house, the big ducks stay out at the pond & creek.

 

[sourland]

I have 3 adult drakes - 2 bully the other, that is why I got a 4th - so the other would have a friend

Drakes being drakes, I am really concerned that they will abuse and try to breed him whenever you decide to integrate him into the flock.

 

[ajohn151]

I have 3 drakes- 2 are a year old & 1 is 3 years old. I keep the baby inside & have a separate place fir him during the day outside. What age do you think I should start putting him in the pin at night? The pin during the day is by the house, the big ducks stay out at the pond & creek.

I agree with @sourland he will need to be big enough to hold his own against the mature drakes. I would have him safely exposed to them every day until he is big enough to be set loose with them. The longer he is exposed to them, and them exposed to him, the easier the actual transition will be. I usually start with safe behind sturdy fences at 3-4 weeks weather permitting. I do that daily until they are old enough to be in the run together which has been 10-12 weeks of age. I then begin the separated coop for an additional week. I am sure there are much more experienced folks here that will have great suggestions as well. This is just what has worked for me. I am far from an expert. I usually lean toward long intros (3-5 weeks) behind the fence, and supervised integration once they are big enough. Good luck and let us know how it goes.

 

[Duck Gal]

I’m a nervous wreck about it..I only got him so the 1 duck being bullied & is always alone, would have a companion. He has been with me the longest- his companion was killed by a hawk last year, which is why I got the other 2- for him to have companions, now they bully him & he still alone. It’s been a trying time.

 

[ajohn151]

I’m a nervous wreck about it..I only got him so the 1 duck being bullied & is always alone, would have a companion. He has been with me the longest- his companion was killed by a hawk last year, which is why I got the other 2- for him to have companions, now they bully him & he still alone. It’s been a trying time.

Oh that is very frustrating and nerve wracking. I'm so sorry to hear that. You will do great integrating him. Just take your time and go at the pace which is most comfortable for everyone. I don't think there is a magic recipe. There will be some pecking order squabbling, its normal. It's hard to watch at times but it is what nature has engrained in their instinct. Let them work it out as long as no serious injury is being inflicted.