Adding Ducklings to the Flock

[AgnesGray]

I have a small flock of Welsh Harlequins. From which I've hatched some ducklings in the incubator. The ducklings are in a separated space inside the duck house for the past week and are now two weeks old.

In your experience, what is the age when they can start to interact with each other? My boys seem more interested in them than the hens are and are often putting their bills throuhg the fence to look at them. I want the best experience possible for them all in the hopes of maintaining a happy flock.

Thanks!

 

[Miss Lydia]

Is it warm enough for those tiny ducklings to be outside? Sorry I don’t see a heat lamp. As for letting these ducklings out with the flock I wouldn’t advise it. They have no way of defending themselves from an adult drake or female who might grab them plus the drakes can look at them as something to mate with once they get a little older an a drake should not be breeding any females until POL. Protect those little ones they don’t have a mama to do it so is up to you. This isn’t saying when you can supervise you don’t take them out for outside time so you can intervene in case someone wants to be hateful. They sure are precious

 

[AgnesGray]

Is it warm enough for those tiny ducklings to be outside? Sorry I don’t see a heat lamp. As for letting these ducklings out with the flock I wouldn’t advise it. They have no way of defending themselves from an adult drake or female who might grab them plus the drakes can look at them as something to mate with once they get a little older an a drake should not be breeding any females until POL. Protect those little ones they don’t have a mama to do it so is up to you. This isn’t saying when you can supervise you don’t take them out for outside time so you can intervene in case someone wants to be hateful. They sure are precious

They are sweethearts!

They have a heatplate in the stocktank that they have quit using altogether. When I brooded the parents inside, they used the plate long after they needed it, but these littles don't seem to want it anymore.

The plan was to let them have outside time in the duck run separate from the older group, all while letting them see each other, until these are grown, but wasn't sure at what point they could be considered grown.

Once if similar size, would it be appropriate to start mingling with the hens only? I could keep the boys on one side and let the ladies and youngsters get acquainted first. Or, when the time is right, introduce the two flocks?

Thanks for the reply!

 

[Miss Lydia]

Yes def let the females mingle with the youngsters. They may do fine with them now only you can know till you try it.

 

[AgnesGray]

Yes def let the females mingle with the youngsters. They may do fine with them now only you can know till you try it.

Ok, will give that a try! Thank you!

 

[Teneniel]

If I may jump in here to ask:

Is it warm enough for those tiny ducklings to be outside? Sorry I don’t see a heat lamp. As for letting these ducklings out with the flock I wouldn’t advise it. They have no way of defending themselves from an adult drake or female who might grab them plus the drakes can look at them as something to mate with once they get a little older an a drake should not be breeding any females until POL. Protect those little ones they don’t have a mama to do it so is up to you. This isn’t saying when you can supervise you don’t take them out for outside time so you can intervene in case someone wants to be hateful. They sure are precious

what is POL? I had a similar question a while back about ducklings 3 months apart but the only reply said not to worry about the drakes this year.

 

[AgnesGray]

If I may jump in here to ask:




what is POL? I had a similar question a while back about ducklings 3 months apart but the only reply said not to worry about the drakes this year.

POL is point of lay. If the ducklings are not mature, I don't think there is a problem keeping them together, but others may know best about that.

 

[Miss Lydia]

Young immature ducklings do not need to be around hormonal drakes.

 

[Teneniel]

Thank you!